The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, has been officially accepted 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 thousands of cultural venues. While the standard program offers free summer admission to active-duty military personnel and their families, the museum is extending this benefit to provide free, unlimited year-round admission, a significant departure from the norm.
This decision reflects the museum's deep respect for military service, as articulated by Museum President Michael Matsuda, whose father served in the military and whose father-in-law was a member of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team 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 year-round admission policy applies to all active-duty personnel across every branch 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. Eligible service members can receive free admission for themselves and up to five family members at any time during the year, eliminating barriers to cultural and historical education.
By joining the Blue Star Museums program, the Martial Arts History Museum aligns itself with a nationwide effort to honor military families, but its extended commitment sets it apart. The museum aims to serve as an inviting sanctuary where military families can explore the rich history, art, and cultural heritage of martial arts, fostering meaningful experiences and lasting memories. This initiative not only recognizes the sacrifices of service members but also underscores the museum's dedication to community engagement and inclusivity.
The museum's location at 201 N. Brand Blvd., B100, Glendale, CA 91203, and its website, MAmuseum.com, provide additional information for visitors. Donations are encouraged to support the museum's ongoing programs. The announcement, originally made on NewMediaWire, highlights the museum's proactive approach to supporting military families, a move that may inspire other cultural institutions to consider similar year-round benefits.
In a time when military families often face frequent relocations and financial strain, the museum's offer provides a stable, accessible resource for recreation and education. It also serves as a reminder of the contributions of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history, and the enduring legacy of service that shapes many American families. By welcoming these heroes every day, the museum reinforces its role as a community pillar that values sacrifice, history, and cultural understanding.
