Membership FAQs

On this page: National Membership FAQs and The Circle FAQs

National Membership

What portion of my National Membership gift is tax deductible? 

Your National Membership dues are fully tax deductible.

What will my National Membership gift support?  

Your gift will go towards a variety of privately funded programs at the National Gallery of Art, including educational outreach to underserved communities, special exhibitions, art acquisition, art conservation, and more. We look forward to keeping members updated throughout the year about the programs you help support. 

How do I use my National Member discount in the Gallery Shops?

National Members receive a 10% discount in the Shops throughout the year. Your discount is available both in store by showing proof of membership (membership card or email with membership number) and online with a membership code. 

Does National Membership give me free admission to the National Gallery of Art? 

The National Gallery is free for all visitors, seven days per week. You do not need to be a member. Please click here for information on our hours.

What is the difference between National Membership and Circle Membership? 

National Membership is a new program at the Gallery created to offer more opportunities for individuals to support their National Gallery of Art and to connect with us through special opportunities. Learn more about the National Membership program. 

For over thirty years, The Circle Membership program has supported Gallery initiatives and offered a deep level of engagement with the Gallery. Members of The Circle participate in the life of the Gallery through special exhibition previews and evening receptions. Learn more about The Circle program. 

We greatly appreciate membership gifts at all levels. 

How can I join or renew a National Membership?

To join or renew online, please supply the information on this Join Form or Renew Form.

To join or renew by phone, please call (202) 898-7700.

To join or renew by mail via check, please make the check payable to the National Gallery of Art and designate National Membership on the memo line. Please mail the check to: Development Office, National Gallery of Art, 2000 South Club Drive, Landover MD 20785.

I have more questions about National Membership; how do I get in touch?

We would enjoy hearing from you! Please contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone at (202) 898-7700.

The Circle

How can I renew my membership in The Circle?

To renew online, please supply the information on this Renew Your Membership form.

To renew by phone, please call (202) 842-6450.

To renew by mail via check or credit card, print and complete this form. If you prefer to pay by check, please make the check payable to the National Gallery of Art and mail it with your completed form to: Development Office, National Gallery of Art, 2000 South Club Drive, Landover MD 20785.

For information on making a gift of stock, find instructions here, or call (202) 842-6450.

Can my employer match my contribution?

Yes, we welcome matching gifts. In order to have a gift matched by your employer, please call Development Office at (202) 842-6372 or email us at [email protected].

Can I give a gift of membership?

Yes, please complete the online Give a Gift of Membership form and indicate to whom you would like us to send a gift membership.

I lost my Circle membership card and/or tax acknowledgment. May I request a replacement?

Of course. Please call the Circle office at (202) 842-6450 and we will be happy to replace your membership card or send you a copy of your tax acknowledgment.

What portion of my Circle gift is tax deductible?

The total value of benefits made available is estimated to be $150 for Contributing, $250 for Supporting and Tower Project, $500 for Sustaining, $750 for Patron, and $1,000 for the Director's Circle. The amount of your contribution that is deductible for federal income taxes is limited to the excess of the value of the contribution over the value of the benefits made available in return.

If I decide to decline benefits, is my gift considered fully tax deductible?

Yes. If you decide to decline the benefits of membership in The Circle, your gift will be fully tax deductible.

What benefits will I receive if I choose to decline benefits when I renew my membership?

If you decide to decline benefits, you will not receive the tangible benefits that include catalogs, calendars, and event packages.

Can I make my entire Circle gift tax deductible?

Yes. By choosing to decline benefits of membership altogether, the full amount of your contribution would be tax deductible.

Can I make reservations for concerts at the National Gallery?

Circle members at the Supporting Level and above receive the benefit of reserving seats at selected concert programs at the Gallery. To make a reservation, please contact the Circle office at (202) 842-6450 or [email protected]. For concerts occurring on the weekend, we kindly ask members to reserve seats no later than 4:00 p.m. on the Friday before the scheduled concert. 

Can I make reservations for lunch in the Gallery’s Refectory?

Circle members at the Sustaining Level and above have access to the Refectory for weekday lunchtime dining in the Gallery’s East Building. To make a reservation, please contact the Circle office at (202) 842-6450 or [email protected]. Please note that reservations are taken for noon and 1:00 p.m. seatings only.

Is it possible to reserve parking at the Gallery?

Circle members at the Patron Level and above may request parking on the Gallery’s Plaza (one business day notice is required). Please contact the Circle office at (202) 842-6450 or [email protected]. If you need recommendations for nearby public garages or street parking, we would be happy to help.