June 24th, 2022
The Seneca Park Zoo will launch program Friday, June 24
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today signed legislation to reduce Seneca Park Zoo admission for income-eligible families to $1 per person as part of the national program, Museums for All. The Zoo will join George Eastman House Museum and the Rochester Museum & Science Center to become the third local participant in the program.
“Every resident in our county deserves an opportunity for fun and education at our incredible Seneca Park Zoo regardless of financial barriers. Today we are eliminating that barrier for thousands of families,” said County Executive Bello. “Thank you to the Monroe County Legislature for approving and supporting this initiative for a more equitable and inclusive Monroe County.”
Seneca Park Zoo is the first zoo in New York State to be included in the Museums for All program. The addition of the zoo gives Rochester the designation as a Museums for All “Hub City,” demonstrating the county’s commitment to make cultural institutions available to all residents.
“This is another step toward ensuring Seneca Park Zoo is an accessible, inclusive destination serving everyone in our community. We are proud to support Monroe County in participating in Museums for All,” said Pamela Reed Sanchez, CEO and President of the Seneca Park Zoo Society.
“The $1 discounted admission for income-eligible families is long overdue. Ensuring access to the Zoo to the neediest of our Monroe County residents is something of which every Legislator should be proud, and I am proud to have co-sponsored the legislation that made it happen,” said Monroe County Legislator President Sabrina Lamar. “The Museums for All program is vital to the Rochester community. By combining the Zoo with the Rochester Museum and Science Center and the George Eastman House in this program—which makes Rochester a “Hub City”--we are demonstrating a commitment to cultural enrichment for all children and families, regardless of zip code and/or socioeconomic status.”
To participate in Museums for All, cultural institutions must offer individual admission fees ranging from free to $3.00 to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefits Transfer (“EBT”) card and a valid form of photo identification. Museums for All admission rates are available for up to four individuals per EBT card and during all normal operating hours.
To access these benefits at the Seneca Park Zoo, individuals and families can present a SNAP/EBT card and a valid photo ID at the Admission booth for $1 admission, per guest, for up to four guests.
The Rochester Museum & Science Center has set their Museum for All price at $3, while the George Eastman Museum is offering free admission to those eligible for the program.
