Membership Levels
Share your passion for knowledge and discovery by supporting the Smithsonian through your membership.
- Scholar ($75 - $149)
- Archivist Circle ($150 - $249)
- Researcher Circle ($250 - $499)
- Curator Circle ($500 - $999)
- Castle Circle ($1000 - $2,499)
- James Smithson Society ($2,500 and above)
Scholar $75 - $149
- A Smithsonian Institution annual engagement calendar with full color images of exceptional art and artifacts
- Subscription to the award-winning magazine Smithsonian
- 20% discount at Smithsonian Museum Stores, 10% discount at selected dining facilities, and the online Smithsonian Catalog and Folkways Recordings
- Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium
- Admission to Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York City
- Weekday access to the Friends of the Smithsonian Reception Center
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Archivist Circle $150 - $249
Benefits of Scholar membership, plus:
- A complimentary Smithsonian museum guidebook
- Invitation to a special welcome tour for new members at a Smithsonian venue
- Recognition in the Friends of the Smithsonian Honor Roll displayed electronically on the National Mall in the Membership Reception Center
- For Washington, DC area members, Resident Associate membership, including the publication Smithsonian Associate, describing events, lectures, and courses
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Researcher Circle $250 - $499
Benefits of Archivist membership, plus:
- A gift edition of a major new Smithsonian exhibition catalog or publication
- An annual invitation to a private lecture by a distinguished Smithsonian curator, scholar, or expert
- Updates on important Smithsonian initiatives and news from Institution leadership
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Curator Circle $500 - $999
Benefits of Researcher membership, plus:
- Invitations to a members-only tours or reception that give insight into the Smithsonian's newest exhibitions and latest research
- Receipt of the Smithsonian's annual report, a comprehensive overview of the Smithsonian's achievements and priorities
- Opportunity to choose entry-level membership in one of the following Smithsonian membership programs: Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum; Friends of the National Zoo; Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; National Museum of African Art; National Museum of African American History and Culture; National Air and Space Museum; National Museum of the American Indian; or National Postal Museum
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Castle Circle $1,000 - $2,499
Benefits of General membership, plus:
- Invitation to the annual Castle Circle reception and special behind-the-scenes tours
- A specially-designed commemorative gift to recognize your participation in the Castle Circle
- Personal assistance with planning a visit to Smithsonian Affiliate museums or Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibitions
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James Smithson Society $2,500 and above
Benefits of Castle Circle membership, and more.
- An invitation for two to the annual James Smithson Society Members’ Weekend, including elegant receptions in prominent Smithsonian venues, behind-the-scenes tours led by curators and scholars, the Secretary’s Keynote Address, and a black-tie dinner with Smithsonian leadership held at one of the Smithsonian museums.
- Personal access to Smithson Society staff through the Society’s direct phone line.
- Please visit the James Smithson website to explore the full array of benefits and priviliges of membership
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Only members in the Washington, DC region receive event invitations. Members who reside elsewhere may elect to receive these benefits by contacting the Friends of the Smithsonian 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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