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Annual gifts from Circle members help the National Gallery to preserve, collect, exhibit, and foster the understanding of great works of art at the highest standards. Since its inception in 1986, the Circle has funded projects that have benefited every area of the National Gallery. 

Circle members provide critical unrestricted support for conservation, special exhibitions, scholarly and scientific research, publications, films, and symposia, as well as art acquisition and a variety of educational and outreach programs. Members of the Director's Circle participate in the Circle program at the highest level and contribute vital funding for special exhibitions at the National Gallery of Art.

Membership in any category entitles two to participate.

Membership Tiers

Circle contributions are partially tax-deductible.

Contributing Level

$1,000 to $2,499

  • Priority entrance to all special exhibitions
  • Invitations to two evening receptions featuring special exhibitions or the permanent collection
  • Invitations to family programs with breakfast and children's art activities
  • Private daytime lectures and previews of special exhibitions
  • Subscription to the Art for the Nation, a semiannual publication for National Gallery friends
  • Recognition in the National Gallery’s Annual Report and Art for the Nation
  • A 20% discount at National Gallery Shops
  • Subscription to the monthly Circle e-newsletter
  • Access to the National Gallery of Art Library

Supporting Level

$2,500 to $4,999

All the benefits from Contributing Level plus:

  • Invitations to two additional evening receptions featuring special exhibitions and the permanent collection
  • Reservations for Concert Series performances
  • Two exhibition catalogs or National Gallery publications
     

Sustaining Level

$5,000 to $9,999

All the benefits from Supporting Level plus:

  • Invitations to programs featuring National Gallery curators and specialists
  • Additional exhibition catalogs or National Gallery publications
  • Invitation to an evening reception to share with a friend
  • Use of the National Gallery’s private Refectory for lunchtime dining in the East Building on weekdays

Patron Level

$10,000 to $24,999

All the benefits from Sustaining Level plus:

  • Invitation to a National Gallery opening event
  • Special behind-the-scenes opportunities
  • Assistance in arranging private tours led by curatorial staff or docents
  • Opportunity to make arrangements for reserved parking on the Fourth Street Plaza

Contact Us

Circle
Telephone: 202.842.6450
[email protected]