Membership Levels
Share your passion for knowledge and discovery by supporting the Smithsonian through your membership.
- Supporter Member ($75 - $149)
- Donor Member ($150 - $249)
- Partner Member ($250 - $349)
- Sponsor Member ($350 - $499)
- Curator Member ($500 - $749)
- Sustainer Member ($750 - $999)
- The James Smithson Society
- Smithson Benefactor ($2,000 - $3,499)
- Smithson Circle ($3,500 - $4,999)
- Smithson Council ($5,000 - $9,999)
- Smithson Guild ($10,000 and above)
Supporter Member ($75 - $149)
- Smithsonian, the monthly magazine of the arts, sciences, and history.
- A Smithsonian Institution annual calendar.
- Discounts: 20% in Smithsonian museum stores, 10% on purchases from the Smithsonian Catalogue, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, and at www.SmithsonianStore.com.
- Discounts at selected Smithsonian dining facilities.
- Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
- Exclusive weekday access to the Contributing Membership Reception Center.
- Permanent recognition in the Contributing Membership Honor Roll.
- Free admission to the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York City.
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Donor Member ($150 - $249)
All of the above, plus:
- An annual Smithsonian Institution museum guidebook.
- Inside Smithsonian Research, a quarterly newsletter.
- Resident Associate benefits for Washington, DC-area members.*
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Partner Member ($250 - $349)
All of the above, plus:
- A gift edition of a major new Smithsonian publication.
- An invitation to a new member welcome reception.
- Annual Contributing Membership Pin.
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Sponsor Member ($350 - $499)
All of the above, plus:
- An invitation to a special reception for one of the Smithsonian’s newest exhibitions.
- Complimentary valet parking at all members-only events and evening receptions.
- A biannual Smithsonian newsletter.
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Curator Member ($500 - $749)
All of the above, plus:
- An invitation to a members-only lecture by a Smithsonian curator or science scholar annually.
- Special note cards of art or artifacts from a Smithsonian museum.
- An invitation to a members-only holiday shopping day each December in a Smithsonian museum gift shop.
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Sustainer Member ($750 - $999)
All of the above, plus:
- Special invitations to a variety of behind-the-scenes tours of selected research projects and the Smithsonian’s newest exhibitions or receptions.
- Personal copy of the Smithsonian’s annual report, which provides an insider’s perspective on the Institution’s primary initiatives and plans.
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Castle Circle
The Castle Circle is a group of altruistically-minded donors who play a crucial role in sustaining the Smithsonian Institution’s core programs.
Conservator Member ($1,000 - $1,499)
All of the above, plus:
- A specially-designed commemorative gift to recognize your participation in the Castle Circle.
- Prominent recognition in the Membership Honor Roll and in other print materials.
- Personal ticket assistance for exhibitions at selected Smithsonian Affiliate museums across the nation.
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Patron Member ($1,500 - $1,999)
All of the above, plus:
- A handsome Smithsonian publication or unique recording.
- An additional invitation to an exclusive lecture or exhibition viewing with Smithsonian experts.
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The James Smithson Society
James Smithson Society members are a distinguished group of individuals who share a passion for learning and a deep commitment to the Smithsonian’s important endeavors. In addition to Contributing Member benefits listed above, Smithson Society Members may receive:
Smithson Benefactor ($2,000 - $3,499)
All of the above, plus:
- An invitation for two to the annual Smithson Society Annual Members’ Weekend, including exclusive receptions in prominent Washington and Smithsonian venues, behind-the-scenes tours, and an elegant black-tie dinner.
- Private receptions at Contributing Membership events.
- An invitation to an additional exhibition, reception, or behind-the-scenes tour exclusively for Smithson Society members.
- Opportunity to sponsor the Food for Thought annual Smithson Society summer luncheon series, with commensurate recognition.
- Recognition in the Institution’s annual report and other publications.
- In the first year of membership, special recognition in the Smithson Society Annual Members’ Weekend program.
- Personalized service through the Smithson Society’s direct phone line.
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Smithson Circle ($3,500-$4,999)
All of the above, plus:
- Complimentary lunch at selected Smithsonian dining facilities in Washington, DC.
- Invitations to special museum events in members’ local areas, where available.
- IMAX® tickets for two at any Smithsonian theater.
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Smithson Council ($5,000 - $9,999)
All of the above, plus:
- Priority registration for Smithsonian Resident Associate events and seminars. (Subject to availability; must notify a James Smithson Society staff member three or more weeks in advance of intent to attend.)*
- An invitation to a private, scholar-hosted tour in a Smithsonian museum, research center, or Affiliate museum.
- An opportunity to dine with senior Smithsonian representatives.
- A Donor-level Contributing Membership to give as a gift.
- Personal assistance in planning visits.
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Smithson Guild ($10,000 and above)
All of the above, plus:
- A private tour and light refreshments for a party of six, upon request.
- Opportunity to consult with a Smithsonian curator about an object that the donor owns or is considering purchasing (by appointment). Note: Curator will not assess value but can advise on authenticity, provenance, and condition.
- For local members or members traveling to the Washington area, waiver of registration fee once annually for lectures, seminars, or performances offered by the Smithsonian’s award-winning Resident Associate program. (Admits one at the Resident Associate member price; not to exceed a value of $100; subject to availability; some restrictions apply; contact a James Smithson Society staff member for clarification.)*
- An exclusive additional event during the Smithson Society Annual Members’ Weekend.
- Complimentary tickets to the Smithson Society Annual Members’ Weekend for two friends.
- Special recognition in the Smithson Society Annual Members’ Weekend program.
* Program schedule available at www.ResidentAssociates.org.
Only members in the Washington, DC region receive event invitations. Members who reside elsewhere may elect to receive these benefits by contacting the Contributing Membership office.
Members may also choose to waive any or all benefits to increase the amount of their dues that directly benefit the Smithsonian and to increase the tax-deductible amount of their gift.
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