Member Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about membership

Questions about special exhibition member tickets

Questions about membership

Q: What are the basic benefits of membership?

A: Basic membership benefits include unlimited admission for two adults; a subscription to the members’ magazine, Treasures; invitations to member previews; a 10 percent discount in the Museum Store, 20 percent on Member Appreciation Days; reduced admission to lectures, films, and special events; and discounts at Bay Area retails. Exclusive benefits are available at higher levels.

Q: How many membership cards should I have?

A: All membership levels come with two membership cards. If you are a Student, Teacher, Out of Region, or Active level member, each membership card admits one person. If you are a Family and Friends, Contributor, Donor, Sponsor, or Patron level member, each membership card admits two people. These admission privileges apply only to your Asian Art Museum membership.

Q: How long is a membership at the Asian Art Museum valid?

A: A membership is valid for one year from the day of joining. Members receive a first annual renewal reminder from the museum two months before expiring.

Q: Can I give my membership cards to family and friends to use at the Museum?

A: Membership cards are non-transferable. The membership cardholder must be present in order for the member guest to receive free admission on the guest card.

Q: What is a reciprocal membership?

A: Members at the Contributor level and above receive reciprocal admission benefits as part of the North American and Western Reciprocal museum programs. Reciprocal benefits includes free admission to visit more than 450 museums in North America for two people. Reciprocal privileges may be restricted on special ticketed exhibitions. Please note that while each membership card at the Contributor level or higher at the Asian Art Museum admits two people per card, reciprocal admission at other museums admits one person per membership card.

*If you are a reciprocal member from other museums visiting the Asian Art Museum, admission is one person per membership card. Please always bring both membership cards with you for your visit.

Q: What do I do if I have lost my membership card?

A: You can request a one time replacement membership card at no charge. Please call 415-581-3740, e-mail members@asianart.org, or visit us at the Membership Desk at the Museum to request a new card. Please let us know if you need one or both membership cards replaced at the time of your request.

Q: How many guests can I bring to member receptions?

A: Member receptions are special opportunities for members to enjoy catered fare and view exhibitions after Museum hours. Admission to receptions is limited to two people, regardless of one’s membership level. Please check your invitation for additional event details.

Q: How can I keep up with member events and Asian Art Museum programs?

A: The Asian Art Museum maintains a current calendar of events with up-to-date program information or visit the Member Events page. As a member, you also receive Treasures magazine and a calendar of events. Want more information? Subscribe to the museum’s on-line newsletter, ASIANotes, by e-mailing us at members@asianart.org with your name and “ASIANotes” in the title.

Questions about special exhibition member tickets

Is there a surcharge for members to view special exhibits?

Asian Art Museum members do not pay a surcharge to view special exhibitions.

How can I receive my member tickets?

Asian Art Museum members may visit the membership desk to receive tickets to the special exhibition.

For an added convenience, Asian Art Museum members may reserve their tickets in advance online. A ticket web fee of $1.00 per ticket will apply.

How do reciprocal members reserve tickets to the special exhibition ?

Members of other museums with reciprocity to the Asian Art Museum may purchase advanced tickets only at the admissions desk. Reciprocal members, including AAM and ICOM members, will be charged a $5 surcharge to the special exhibition. Advanced tickets are unavailable to reciprocal members to purchase online.

Members of reciprocal museums must present at the admissions desk their membership cards with reciprocal indication, such as reciprocal stickers, and photo ID to receive free general museum admission. We do not share a database and can't look up membership records of other museums.

Will I have to wait in long lines?

Members have priority entry into the Museum. Visit the Membership Desk to receive your admission tickets to view the special exhibition. We do not have timed entry into the exhibition, so you may view the show when you enter.

When is the best time for members to visit?

Larger crowds do attend on Target First Free Sundays and on the opening and closing weekends of the exhibition. Remember that members may visit the museum any time that we are open and receive unlimited admission.

There are also Members only Preview Days of special exhibits. Visit member events for more information.

If you have additional inquiries, please call the Membership Department at 415-581-3740 or e-mail members@asianart.org