How do I reserve member tickets?
Event reservation tip: Some members-only programs and events use a zero-dollar ticket type when no tickets are for sale to visitors. For example, when reserving a spot for our monthly Virtual Lecture Series, you’ll need to add a zero-dollar “Member” ticket to your cart to receive the event confirmation details.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance as a member?
Reservations are generally recommended but not always necessary. If you would like to see the permanent collection, you’re always welcome to simply stop by and receive tickets at the front desk. If you’re attending a special exhibition that has timed tickets or a special program with limited seating, it’s best to reserve in advance.
How many tickets do I receive with my membership? What about for member receptions and events?
Members are welcome to visit the Asian Art Museum collections and most special exhibitions every day for free. Member-level members (including discounted level members) receive two free admissions per visit (the cardholder and one guest).
Member Plus, Member Premium, and Friend levels receive up to four free admissions per visit (the cardholder and up to three guests, or two cardholders and one guest each) plus tickets for all those age 17 and under.
Patron-level members receive up to six free admissions per visit (the cardholder and up to five guests, or two cardholders and four guests) plus tickets for all those age 17 and under.
For member receptions and private events, admission varies. All levels receive their daily allotment of tickets to Member Preview events, Member Viewing Hours, Member Mornings and other special viewing times. Patron and Friend level members are invited to enjoy Member Opening Nights with invitations that admit two plus any children in the household. Throughout the year, members can also bring additional guests to the museum during Family and Friend days. Please check your event invitation for additional details.
What are the levels and benefits of membership?
See a complete list of our membership levels and benefits. Not sure what level is best for your needs? Contact [email protected], visit the membership desk on-site, or call 415.581.3740 to chat with a friendly team member.
How long will it take for my membership materials to arrive in the mail? Can I still visit the museum without my card?
Make sure your email is on file. (Your digital member card(s) and tax acknowledgment letter will arrive by email; if you’ve received them, it means we have your email on file.) If you come to the museum before you receive your member card, present a photo ID to check in and receive your benefits.
If you wish to maintain a plastic membership card and/or do not use email, you’ll receive a card and tax acknowledgment letter in the mail, usually three to four weeks after purchase.
How many tickets will be credited toward a new membership? Can I do this after I leave the museum?
Apply your ticket purchase toward the cost of membership and save! Up to two full-price tickets may be applied toward the purchase of a new membership. Sign up at the membership desk or the Cha May Ching Museum Boutique, or call Member Services at 415.581.3740 during or after your visit.
Is there a Senior level with two card holders?
Our Senior level provides discounted Member-level benefits to those who are 65 or older. Each Senior level membership includes one card holder who can bring a guest with them on each visit. For a two-card-holder membership, we recommend Member Plus or Member Premium for additional flexibility and increased daily benefits.
Is there a military/veteran discount?
The Asian Art Museum is a part of the Blue Stars Museums program, a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America, offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum. Visit Blue Star Museums’ Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the program.
How long is my membership valid?
Membership is valid for one year. Memberships can also be purchased for two-year intervals. When you renew for two years, your second year of membership is discounted 10%. Auto-renewing membership will be available in 2023.
I don’t want to decide on the second cardholder now, can I put someone’s name down later?
You can skip adding a second cardholder and add a person later, but your membership expiration date will not change.
Can I change the second cardholder’s name? If so, how often can I make this change?
We request that your second cardholder name change no more than once a year as memberships are non-transferable.
Auto Renew Terms and Conditions
If you choose an Auto Renew membership, you agree that we will keep your payment information on file. Your card will be charged up to fourteen (14) days prior to your membership renewal date.
If you wish to cancel your Auto Renew membership, you must contact the venue at 415.581.3740 or [email protected] at least thirty (30) days prior to your membership renewal date.
If you have any concerns, issues, or questions about your membership or auto renewal, please contact member services.
I would like to buy a gift membership for someone. How can I do this?
An Asian Art Museum membership is the gift that keeps giving all year long! Purchase a gift membership by calling 415.581.3740, visiting the membership desk in Bowes Court, or the Cha May Ching Museum Boutique. You can also purchase a gift membership online. Your gift recipient will receive a special gift packet to get them started on a year full of amazing benefits.
For gift membership renewals, you will automatically receive a renewal letter two months prior to expiration. Use the included form and envelope to renew the gift membership easily by mail. Gift memberships can also be renewed by phone.
If I buy a gift membership in person, can you mail the package for me?
When you buy a gift membership in person at the museum, you can take a gift packet with you to present to your gift recipient, or request that we mail out materials from our office.
How many member cards should I have?
Member and discounted levels permit one card holder and receive one member card (digital and/or physical). All other membership levels permit two cardholders. If only one member is named on a dual card level membership, you will still receive the full number of tickets each visit and do not need to carry both cards.
Go green and switch to digital! Our new digital cards are easy to keep track of and go everywhere your mobile device goes.
Can I give my member cards to family and friends to use at the museum?
No, member benefits are nontransferable. A member cardholder must be present for any guests to receive free admission. We request proof of photo ID upon arrival.
Rhino Club members and members at the Member Plus level or above receive one guest pass (admission for two people) to share with family or friends — great for when you want to share the museum, but can’t make it yourself.
What happens if I lose my member card?
You can request a one-time replacement member card at no charge. Call 415.581.3740, email [email protected], or visit us at the membership desk to request a new card. Please let us know if you need one or both member cards replaced.
Did you know the museum offers a digital membership card option? We’ve partnered with Cuseum to offer a mobile-friendly membership card that you can take with you wherever your smartphone goes. The cards work on Android and iPhone models.
How do I upgrade to a higher member level?
Let’s amp up your member benefits so you can enjoy even more world-class perks! Please contact the membership team at [email protected] and let us know the best number and time to reach you by phone, or stop by our membership desk during museum hours (Friday—Monday, 10 AM–5 PM and Thursdays, 1 PM—8:30 PM).
For the best value, we recommend an “upgrade renewal.” We’ll add 12 months to your current membership term, and you’ll enjoy increased member benefits on the membership you already have. With an additional year and higher-level benefits, this is an amazing way to enjoy membership perks while supporting the museum.
Less than three months into your current membership? You may also pay the difference for the higher member level and keep your current membership expiration date.
What is Rhino Club? How do I add Rhino Club to my membership?
Rhino Club at the Asian Art Museum is a membership for kids!
REINA | RAISING EMPATHETIC INNOVATIVE NEW ARTISTS
The many benefits of art are essential for children. Early engagement with museums and hands-on art making build skills like problem solving, observation, empathy, and bolster a child’s self-esteem. Through activity guides, storytelling tours, and art-and-crafts workshops, we invite you to learn, play, and make art together as a family.
Rhino Club members receive an explorer’s pack filled with activity guides and art-making materials, a Rhino Club Passport booklet, invitations to Rhino Club programs, and one guest pass for two to share with friends.
One Explorer’s pack is included with each membership. You can purchase additional packs for $10 each. Packs must be picked up at the membership desk and cannot be mailed.
Add Rhino Club to any membership level for $50. Already a member? Give us a call at 415.581.3740 or stop by the membership desk on your next visit to upgrade. Not yet a member? Join today!
Do members receive a discount on parking?
As a member, you receive a discount on parking at the UC Hastings Parking Garage at 376 Larkin Street when you have your parking ticket validated at the membership desk (Thursdays–Mondays during regular museum hours only).
The Asian Art Museum Member’s Discount rate is $11.00 for 0 – 4 hours, with regular rates applying after four hours.
How do I access the Virtual Member Lounge?
You can access our ever-growing Virtual Member Lounge collection of archived events, lectures, recordings, and special announcements with password Member2023.
Will you mail me my member gift?
Members at the Member Premium level and above receive an annual gift voucher as part of their member benefits unless waived. Please bring your gift voucher to the membership desk to redeem your gift in person. We cannot mail member gifts.
What are NARM & ROAM?
Members at the Member Premium level and above enjoy free general admission to 1,000 museums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico through two reciprocal admission programs:
Present your Asian Art Museum member card with gold NARM and silver ROAM stickers at the admissions desk of the participating museum. Please note that reciprocal benefits at each museum may vary and some restrictions apply. Contact the museum you plan to visit for more information.
Can my membership be canceled or revoked?
Memberships are not refundable under any circumstances. Memberships are non-transferable. In rare circumstances, memberships are revocable. The Asian Art Museum reserves the right to refuse or revoke membership and/or deny admission without refund for inappropriate conduct, such as selling complimentary member tickets or disruptive behavior.
