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Get Cultured – Entertainment Discounts
Date: April 24, 2007
Author: Elliott Brown, Contributing Editor, SeniorDiscounts.com

Many of us may forget that there are numerous museums, theater programs and music concerts available in every city. Add a senior discount to one of these events and you can have a great time for less than it costs to go to the movies.

Visiting museums is a great way to spend an afternoon or a weekend morning. You can spend some quiet time admiring art, or you can bop around with your grandchildren at a natural history or science museum. Whatever you choose, there will almost certainly be a senior discount available.

Like most senior discounts, the age requirements for museum discounts vary. The most common age requirement is around 60 years of age, but some begin as early as age 50. Expect discounts that range from a couple of dollars to 50% off the regular admission price. Some locations even have free admission for seniors on certain days.

Senior discounts can also be found on attractions within museums. For instance, IMAX theaters or gift shops may have a separate senior discount, usually around 10%. If you are unable to locate the discount on our web site, try the museum’s own web site as it will most likely have senior rates listed. Discounts tend to be clearly posted near museum ticket windows as well, and if you take a youngster with you, expect additional discounts for students or those under the age of twelve.

If you think you’ve already been to all of the museums in town, try contacting your local university as universities often have exhibits that cater to local interests or areas of study in which the university specializes.

If you plan on going to the same museum more than once or twice a year, it’s also worth considering buying a museum membership. Members are typically entitled to unlimited visits, in addition to discounts in museum stores and exclusive members-only events.

Would you rather see the work of Shakespeare or Simon for a sixpence? If an evening at the theater is your preference, there are lots of ways to save, even if you don’t live near Broadway. In fact, smaller local theaters can have the best senior rates. Discounts are often 10% to 30% off regular ticket prices, and age requirements tend to be lower than those at museums. Larger theaters are better organized and usually list senior ticket prices on their web sites. Small theaters don’t always do a good job of publicizing their discounts, so you may need to call to inquire. Also, discounts can vary for each show, so don’t assume the discount will be the same throughout the entire season.

Operas and symphonies can be a little more on the expensive side. Fortunately, senior discounts can be found at many of the major venues throughout the country. Discounts can range from 10% to as much as 40%, depending on the show. To prevent jealous non-seniors from taking advantage of these discounts, reduced-price tickets are not always available for web purchase, so you may need to call to place your order. The age requirement for these discounts is usually a bit higher, around 62 years of age.

Discounts on Broadway musicals are a little hard to come by because demand is exceedingly high. However, you don’t have to travel to New York to see old favorites by the likes of Rodgers and Hammerstein or Andrew Lloyd Webber. Most high schools and colleges put on a tried and true classic at least once a year. From Oklahoma to Cats, there should be plenty of inexpensive options, even if no senior discounts apply. Contact the drama departments at nearby schools for details.

Try to stay dry out there, and enjoy the show!

© SeniorDiscounts

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