Living in the Nation’s Capital, with so many free events going on year-round, it might seem silly to spend a princely sum of money for the privilege of becoming a Member of a local arts organization.
But there are a number of good reasons to think about becoming a member — maybe you’re interested in a particular subject that’s only shown at a pay-for museum, maybe you’re an artist looking to grab a foothold in the scene, or maybe you’re just tired of walking the same halls at the Smithsonian institutions every weekend. And oh yes, it’s the holidays. A membership to your special someone’s favorite arty haunt may be just the answer. Don’t forget, many of the membership fees are tax deductible. Here’s a guide to your local venues; all memberships are annual:
Where: Corcoran Gallery of Art
Who Should Get a Membership: Lovers of modern and contemporary art and active urban socialites looking to network with well-rounded professional colleagues.
How Much: Individual — $55; Other memberships here
Benefits: Free general admission; discounted or complimentary admission to special exhibitions; discounts at the gift shop and cafe; Invitations to Member Preview Days (often includes an artist talk) and other special exhibit tours; subscriptions to the gallery magazine, monthly calendar and email list; one guest pass; discounts on classes at the College of Art + Design.
Notable Extras: The Corcoran fosters a number of “special interest groups” — the 1891 Society, FRIENDS, and Business and Professional Women. Gallery members get discounted memberships to these groups as well.
Where: The Phillips Collection
Who Should Get a Membership: Lovers of the intellectual side of modern art, who go to art galleries to relax and learn the history behind the visual result on the wall.
How Much: Individual — $60; Other memberships here.
Benefits: Free admission to both permanent and special exhibitions, the Sunday Concerts and Thursday Artful Evenings; members-only preview days and other events; discounts on other Phillips programs, including at the Center for the Study of Modern Art and at the gift shop and cafe; two guest passes; subscription to the Museum magazine and email list.
Notable Extras: An Associate membership ($175) includes two adults and their children, as well as reciprocal membership in over 100 other museums across the country.
Photo by kindalight
