Membership
When you become a National Building Museum member, you help us fulfill our mission to inspire curiosity about the world we design and build. Members enjoy exclusive benefits like free year-round admission and discounts in our Museum Shop and Café. Already a member? Thank you for your support!
It’s easy to join or renew your membership. Just visit, call, or join online!
- Visit: Purchase or renew your membership at the Visitor Center.
- Call: 202-849-2480 from 10 am-5 pm, Monday – Friday
- Click: Explore our membership levels below to join, renew, or give a gift membership.
Membership Benefits at Every Level:
• Free admission to Museum exhibitions year-round
• Savings on education programs
• Invitations to exhibition previews and curator-led tours
• Discounts at our award-winning Museum Shop and Café
Membership FAQs
We’ve answered our most frequently asked questions. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us at membership@nbm.org.
Purchasing a Membership
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- What are the different ways I can purchase a membership?
- Visit: Purchase or renew your membership at the Visitor Center.
- Call: 202-849-2480 from 10 am-5 pm, Monday – Friday
- Click: Explore our membership levels above to join, renew, or give a gift membership.
- Can I apply the cost of my admission ticket to a membership?
- Yes, after purchasing admission tickets and exploring the Museum, visitors can apply the cost of admission towards a membership by visiting the Museum’s visitor center.
- Is my membership tax deductible?
- Yes. The National Building Museum is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Your membership donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. For more information on the tax deductibility of your membership, you can view our membership comparison chart or contact the membership department at 202-849-2480 or membership@nbm.org
- What is your membership refund policy?
- Memberships are non-refundable.
- I accidentally renewed my membership twice; what will happen?
- If you accidentally renew your membership twice, your membership will be extended for another year.
Membership Renewals
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- How do I renew my membership?
- You can renew your membership by visiting the Museum, calling the membership department, mailing a check, or online.
- Will I be notified when my membership is going to expire?
- Yes. You will receive mail and email notices beginning a month before your membership is due to expire. If you are not receiving renewal notices, please get in touch with the membership department at 202-849-2480 or membership@nbm.org
- I renewed my membership; why am I still receiving notices?
- If you recently renewed your membership but received a renewal notice, it may be because we sent your renewal notice before we processed your payment. If you do not receive your new membership card or are still receiving renewal notices after receiving your new card, please get in touch with the membership department at 202-849-2480 or membership@nbm.org.
Membership Cards
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- How long will it take to receive my membership card?
- Typically, it takes about 2-3 weeks for members to receive their membership cards.
- Can I have an additional membership card?
- Membership levels above the dual level can receive a second membership card. Members at the Student, Senior, Keystone Society, and Individual levels will only receive one membership card.
- I think I have lost my membership cards or never received them. What should I do?
- Please contact the membership department at 202-849-2480 or membership@nbm.org.
Visiting the Museum
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- Do I need to reserve my admission tickets online?
- We encourage members to reserve admission tickets online to speed up their check-in process when visiting the Museum. However, it is not required. Members are welcome to visit the Museum any time while the Museum is open.
- How do I create a member account?
- Members need an account to reserve admission tickets online. Learn how to create a membership account here.
- Can I visit if I don’t have my membership card?
- Yes! When you arrive at the Museum, our visitor services team can look up your membership using your name or member id number.
Membership Benefits and Coverage
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- Can guests covered by my membership visit without a primary membership holder?
- An adult named on the membership must accompany all guests covered by the membership and all children under the age of 17.
- Can my caregiver bring my children to the Museum?
- Yes! When adults named on the membership cannot attend, a caregiver may accompany children covered by the membership free of charge. We encourage parents to reserve tickets online before their visit or give their caregivers a membership card for a smooth check-in process.
- Do I need my membership card to receive the member discount at the Shop or Café?
- No, our Shop staff can look your membership up if you do not have your membership card.
- No, our Shop staff can look your membership up if you do not have your membership card.
