The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, announced its acceptance into the Blue Star Museums program, a national initiative led by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and cultural venues across the United States. While the standard program provides free summer admission to active-duty military personnel and their families, the museum is going further by offering free, unlimited year-round admission to these service members and up to five family members.
This extended access applies to active-duty personnel across all branches of the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, and Reserves, as well as the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps. By removing barriers to cultural and historical education, the museum aims to create a welcoming space where military families can build lasting memories together.
For Museum President Michael Matsuda, this initiative is personal. His father served in the military, and his father-in-law was part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a highly decorated unit of Japanese-American soldiers during World War II. “These amazing people continue to put their lives on the line every single day for all of us,” Matsuda said. “They sacrifice so much for our freedom, and providing this year-round opportunity is truly the least we can do to give back and honor our military families.”
The Blue Star Museums program, which typically runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, has been a cornerstone of military appreciation for years. The Martial Arts History Museum’s decision to extend free admission year-round sets a new standard for how cultural institutions can support those who serve. This move not only benefits military families but also enriches the museum’s mission to share the history, art, and cultural heritage of martial arts with a broader audience.
The museum, located at 201 N. Brand Blvd., B100, Glendale, CA 91203, is a unique institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the contributions of martial arts to global culture. By participating in the Blue Star Museums program, it joins a network of thousands of museums nationwide that offer free admission to military personnel, but its year-round extension demonstrates a deeper commitment to gratitude and accessibility.
For business and technology leaders, this announcement highlights the growing trend of organizations leveraging their platforms to support military communities. It also underscores the importance of cultural institutions in fostering community engagement and well-being. The museum’s decision may inspire other organizations to consider similar inclusive policies, potentially influencing how public and private entities approach military appreciation.
The Martial Arts History Museum encourages donations to support its programs and operations. More information is available at MAmuseum.com. The original announcement was distributed via NewMediaWire.
