Museum Passes
Patrons can borrow a museum pass for 1 day and be admitted to one of the museums listed. Stop by the Check-out Desk in the lobby or call 860-347-2528 for availability information.
This library service is brought to our patrons courtesy of the Friends of Russell Library.
Passes are available in one of two forms: printable or non-printable passes.
- Limit of 1 (one) pass per day / 4 per month on an adult library card.
- Non-printable passes must be returned directly to the Russell Library
- One (1) day loan period, with no renewals and a $10/day late fine for non-printable passes.
- Passes are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Prices subject to change; please check Museum or Park website.
Disclaimer: Many of these museums are letting people in by appointment only via online tickets. They may not be accepting passes. Please call the museum before visiting.
Click on the title of each pass to visit the museum’s website.
To print a pass, you will need a valid adult library card.
To use the pass at the museum, you will need a valid picture I.D. Name on the pass and I.D must match.
- You will be prompted for your library card number and then you may print the pass, or e-mail it to yourself to print later.
- Printable passes may be reserved up to 60 days in advance.
- The printed pass is valid only for the day selected, and specified, on the printed pass. Passes are non-transferable.
Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts
Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts and The Russell Library announce a new partnership to offer Middletown library patrons free admission to ticketed arts events on campus.
A limited number of passes are available for ticketed arts events at Wesleyan. For more information about these events, please visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/cfa.
Passes are available on a first come, first served basis. To print a pass, patrons need a valid adult library card. Printed passes must be redeemed at the Wesleyan University Box Office in order to receive complimentary tickets.
Patrons will need a valid picture I.D., and the name on the pass and I.D. must match. When reserving a pass, patrons are prompted for a library card number. Passes can be printed, or e-mailed and then printed later. The printed pass is valid only for the event selected and specified on the printed pass, and are non-transferable.
Available Passes
Not all museums have passes available at this time.
Please check each museum’s website for current pass guidelines, as they are constantly being updated! Click on the title of each pass listed below to visit the museum’s website.
Connecticut Historical Society
Hartford, CT
NOTE: This pass is currently not available.
Connecticut River Museum
Essex, CT
Free admission for 2 people and their children OR grandchildren under 18 years of age.
New Britain Museum of American Art
New Britain, CT
Pass admits 4 people for general admission only (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult).
Wadsworth Atheneum
Free general admission for 2 adults.
Non-Printable Passes (must be checked out at the main desk of the library)
Beardsley Zoo
Valid for $9 admission per person for up to 6 guests from one family. Limited to 1 family per day.
There is no way to pay online with the pass. Patrons should check in at the LIBRARY window at the zoo and present the pass. Admission is paid in one lump sum upon arrival.
If guests bring more than the 6 person limit, the extra guests must buy tickets online in advance and present a receipt to gain admission.
Check availability
Connecticut State Parks & Forests
This pass covers entrance fees to the centers and historic buildings at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, and Fort Trumbull State Park and Visitor Center in New London.
Middletown Skating Rink at Veteran's Memorial Park
Middletown, CT
No pass necessary! The Middletown Rink is free to residents.