Membership Levels

Share your passion for knowledge and discovery by supporting the Smithsonian through your membership.

• Scholar ($75 - $149)
• Archivist ($150 - $249)
• Researcher ($250 - $499)
• Curator ($500 - $999)
• Castle Circle ($1000 - $2,499)

• The James Smithson Society
• S. Dillon Ripley Circle ($2,500 - $4,999)
• Samuel Pierpont Langley Circle ($5,000 - $9,999)
• Joseph Henry Circle ($10,000 - $19,999)
• John Quincy Adams Circle ($20,000 and above)

Scholar $75 - $149

• A Smithsonian Institution annual engagement calendar with full color images of exceptional art and artifacts.
• Subscription to the award-winning magazine Smithsonian
• 20% discount at Smithsonian Museum Stores, 10% discount at selected dining facilities, and the online Smithsonian Catalogue and Folkways Recordings.
• Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
• Admission to Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York City.
• Weekday access to the Friends of the Smithsonian Reception Center.

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Archivist $150 - $249

Benefits of Scholar membership, plus:

• A complimentary Smithsonian museum guidebook.
• Invitation to a special welcome tour for new members at a Smithsonian venue.
• Recognition in the Friends of the Smithsonian Honor Roll displayed electronically on the National Mall in the Membership Reception Center.
• For Washington, DC area members, Resident Associate membership, including the publication Smithsonian Associate, describing events, lectures, and courses.

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Researcher $250 - $499

Benefits of Archivist membership, plus:

• A gift edition of a major new Smithsonian exhibition catalogue or publication.
• An annual invitation to a private lecture by a distinguished Smithsonian curator, scholar, or expert.
• Updates on important Smithsonian initiatives and news from Institution leadership.

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Curator $500 - $999

Benefits of Researcher membership, plus:

• Invitations to a members-only tours or reception that give insight into the Smithsonian's newest exhibitions and latest research.
• Receipt of the Smithsonian's annual report, a comprehensive overview of the Smithsonian's achievements and priorities.
• Opportunity to choose entry-level membership in one of the following Smithsonian membership programs: Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum; Friends of the National Zoo; Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; National Museum of African Art; National Museum of African American History and Culture; National Air and Space Museum; National Museum of the American Indian; National Museum of Natural History; National Postal Museum; or the joint Smithsonian American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery membership.

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Castle Circle $1,000 - $2,499

Benefits of General membership, plus:

• Invitation to the annual Castle Circle reception and special behind-the-scenes tours.
• A specially-designed commemorative gift to recognize your participation in the Castle Circle.
• Personal assistance with planning a visit to Smithsonian Affiliate museums or Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibitions.

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James Smithson Society

James Smithson Society members are a distinguished group of individuals who share a passion for learning and a deep commitment to the Smithsonian’s important endeavors. In addition to Friends of the Smithsonian benefits listed above, Smithson Society Members may receive:

S. Dillon Ripley Circle $2,500 - $4,999

• Invitation for two to the annual James Smithson Society Members’ Weekend, including elegant receptions in prominent Smithsonian venues, behind-the-scenes tours led by curators and scholars, the Secretary's Keynote Address, and a black-tie dinner with Smithsonian leadership held at one of the Smithsonian museums.
• Private receptions at and early entry at selected Friends of the Smithsonian events.
• invitation to an exclusive James Smithson Society exhibition opening or behind-the-scenes tour.
• Weekend parking at the National Museum of Natural History with presentation of Smithson Society membership card (subject to availability).
• Assistance from Smithson Society staff when planning a visit to Smithsonian museums.
• Subscription to the Smithson Connections newsletter.
• Recognition in the annual report and other publications.
• Personal access to Smithson Society staff through the Society's direct phone line.
• Opportunity to sponsor the Food for Thought annual Smithson Society summer luncheon series, with commensurate recognition.

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Samuel Pierpont Langley Circle $5,000-$9,999

All of the benefits of the Ripley Circle, plus:

• Invitation to participate in conference calls with a Smithsonian scientist, curator, or fellow.
• A private, scholar-hosted tour in a Smithsonian museum, research center, or Affiliate museum upon request.
• A $150-level Friends of the Smithsonian membership to give as a gift.
• Free parking passes for the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia for up to 6 visits annually.
• Invitations to special Smithsonian events across the country.

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Joseph Henry Circle $10,000 - $19,999

All of the benefits of the Langley Circle, plus:

• Invitation to an exclusive Henry Circle event during the Members’ Weekend
• Complimentary tickets for two guests to accompany you to the Smithson Society Dinner.
• Special recognition in the Members’ Weekend Dinner Program.
• Weekday parking during daytime-scheduled Smithson Society programs. (Upon request with a required 72-hour notice and subject to availability.)
• Opportunity to consult with a Smithsonian curator about an object the donor owns or is considering purchasing (note: By appointment. Curator will not assess value but can advise on authenticity, provenance, and condition.)

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John Quincy Adams Circle $20,000 and above

All of the benefits of the Henry Circle, plus:

• Invitation for two to the annual Adams Circle private reception and dinner with museum leaders, along with special access to Smithsonian collections through tours.
• Opportunity for a personalized tour of a new exhibition with the organizing curator.
• An opportunity to visit one of the Smithsonian’s research centers across the United States or Panama.

Only members in the Washington, DC region receive event invitations. Members who reside elsewhere may elect to receive these benefits by contacting the Friends of the Smithsonian office.

Members may also choose to waive any or all benefits to increase the amount of their dues that directly benefit the Smithsonian and to increase the tax-deductible amount of their gift.

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