Membership
Membership contributions to Smithsonian Associates are a charitable contribution.
No refunds are issued for membership contributions.
1.
Why are there so many Smithsonian memberships?
The Smithsonian offers many membership options to reflect the varied tastes
and interests of its supporters. Depending on the interest, individuals can
choose to support the activities of a particular museum, the National Zoo or
a research institute. There are three Smithsonian-wide memberships—Smithsonian Associates,
Friends of the Smithsonian, and National Associates—each offering
different, valuable benefits.
2.
Why should I support Smithsonian Associates?
Smithsonian Associates puts the Smithsonian's vast knowledge network at
your fingertips. Although Smithsonian Associates is part of the Smithsonian,
we receive no federal funds, relying on individual contributions to help bridge
the gap between program expenses and ticket revenues.
When you join Smithsonian Associates as a member, you receive many valuable
benefits such as savings of up to 35% on tickets to most of the 750 educational and
cultural programs annually, discounts at Smithsonian museum shops, several museum
restaurants, Smithsonian catalogue, SmithsonianStore.com, exclusive members-only
programs, and much more.
Become a member today!
3.
What is the difference between a Smithsonian Associates membership and a Friends of the Smithsonian membership?
A Smithsonian Associates membership directly supports Smithsonian Associates
programing and outreach efforts. Membership support is crucial to carry on our work.
Friends of the Smithsonian is a national membership which helps fund research, outreach,
exhibitions, and scholarship across all Smithsonian museums and programs.
4.
Can I transfer my Friends of the Smithsonian membership to a Smithsonian Associates membership?
Yes! Friends of the Smithsonian members may transfer to the Smithsonian Associates to show their support and receive enhanced benefits. Simply call 202-633-3030 or send us an email.
5.
How do I purchase a gift certificate or give a gift membership?
Purchase a gift certificate online
You may also purchase a gift certificate by calling 202-633-3030.
Your gift recipient will receive notification of your generosity in approximately
two weeks from the time we receive your order.
6.
When can I expect to receive my first Smithsonian magazine and the Smithsonian Associates program guide after signing up for membership?
It takes six to eight weeks for you to receive your first Smithsonian
magazine and four to six weeks for the Smithsonian Associates program guide.
7.
How long does it take to get my Smithsonian Associates membership card after purchasing a membership?
You will receive your membership package which includes your membership
card and other pertinent information in ten working days.
8.
How do I change my address?
Change your address online
You may also write us with your new address (please allow 6 weeks for the change to take effect).
Registration Tips, Tickets, and Policies
The Smithsonian Institution reserves the right to cancel, substitute individual
speakers and/or session topics within a course, reschedule or relocate any
course or event because of insufficient enrollments, unanticipated scheduling
conflicts or emergency situations.
The Smithsonian Institution also reserves the right
to refuse to register any individual or to require any participant to withdraw
from an activity at any time when such action is determined by the Smithsonian
staff to be in the best interests of the health,
safety, or general welfare of the entire group or the participant.
Tickets purchased within 10 business days of an event's
start date will not be mailed and will be held at Will Call at the event location. If you
lost or forgot your ticket, your name will be on a roster at the door and you will still be admitted.
1.
How can I purchase tickets?
Online
Tickets may be ordered online after logging in. Your membership level will determine how many member
rate tickets you can order. If you are not a member or have not registered on our website, you will need to do so to
submit an order. As you place tickets in the shopping cart, your tickets will be locked/reserved for you
up to approximately 20 minutes. If you do not complete your order by then, the tickets will be released
and you will have to add them again in order to complete a purchase. An online receipt page will be
displayed upon completion. You will also be sent a confirming email.
By Phone
Call 202-633-3030 (voice), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, to register with
your Discover Card, VISA, American Express, or MasterCard.
At the Door
Tickets are available (on a first-come, first-served basis)
at the door of some programs. Call 202-633-3030 for availability.
2.
How do I use a promotion code discount?
To receive a promotion code discount for an event, enter the promotion code when
you log in to the website. If the promotion code is still valid, it will display
a promotion price on the event description page.
3.
What happens if an event is sold out?
If an activity is sold out before we receive your mailed-in reservation, (a) you will not be charged if you paid by credit card. However, if you
sent a check, Smithsonian accounting procedures require that it be cashed.
A full refund by Smithsonian check is automatically processed. (b) your
name is placed on a notification list for the filled event. If a vacancy
occurs, people on this list are notified in order of receipt of their application.
If a filled event is later rescheduled, applicants on the notification list
receive a mailing prior to any announcement in the Associate program guide.
4.
How are event changes in published schedules handled?
Occasionally we must change the time, date, or location of a program after an
announcement has been published or tickets have been mailed. We notify participants
by phone, email, and/or mail. Call 202-633-3030 during business hours for information.
5.
What is the photography/filming policy?
Participants at Smithsonian Associates programs may be photographed or filmed for the
educational and promotional purposes of the Smithsonian Institution and Smithsonian
Associates. Filming and/or photographing by participants at these programs is not permitted.
6.
What are the ticketing fees?
- There is an additional $3.00 nonrefundable handling fee per order on phone orders.
- There is no handling fee for online orders.
- There is a $3.00 per ticket processing fee on most tickets, except for Members-Only free events, Summer Camps, Smithsonian Sleepovers, and Discovery Theater shows.
Accessibility at Smithsonian Associates In-Person Programs
1.
What access services are provided by Smithsonian Associates?
Smithsonian Associates seeks to make programs and activities accessible to everyone.
Patrons with questions regarding accessibility for in-person programs are encouraged
to call before registering for programs to inquire about the accessibility of presentations
and locations. For information or to request accessibility assistance, call 202-633-3030 (voice) or
send us an email.
2.
Does Smithsonian Associates provide sign language interpreters?
Smithsonian Associates seeks to make programs and activities accessible to everyone.
Patrons with questions regarding accessibility for in-person programs are encouraged
to call before registering for programs to inquire about the accessibility of presentations
and locations. For information or to request accessibility assistance, call 202-633-3030 (voice) or
send us an email.