NELSON-ATKINS MEMBERSHIP
Frequently Asked Questions

Top Questions

Is my membership tax deductible?

Yes, all membership levels have some amount of tax deductibility dependent on the fair market value of benefits received. Tax information is included on your official receipt. If you need another copy of your tax receipt, please contact us at 816.751.1278 or email membership@nelson-atkins.org  

When will I receive a membership card?

New member cards should arrive in approximately three to four weeks. You can still visit the museum before your plastic cards arrive – either display your Digital Member Card on  your mobile device or stop by the Info Desk for a Temporary Card. 

If you have renewed your membership, your old card will continue to work until you receive your new card with an updated expiration date. 

If you don’t receive your Member Welcome Packet with your cards within six weeks of the purchase date, please contact us at 816.751.1278 or membership@nelson-atkins.org. 

What is Young Friends of Art (YFA)?

Young Friends of Art (YFA) is designed for the next generation of museum donors – providing opportunities for modern mingling, giving back in our community, and celebrating the arts. YFA Members receive free parking, free exhibition tickets, and enjoy 3-4 special member events annually.   

You must be at least 21 years old to join YFA (a birthdate is required to verify). The recommended age range is 21-40.

How do I cancel or renew my membership?

We love having you as a member! You can renew your membership at any time online, onsite at the museum, or over the phone by calling 816.751.1278.  

If your membership is paid through monthly installments through your credit card or checking account, this payment option membership assumes a twelve-month commitment to receive benefits.  

If you have questions about upgrading your benefits mid-year or monthly payments, please contact a Museum Representative at 816.751.1278. 

Can I split a membership with someone?

We welcome the many ways that people choose to share their museum with their loved ones. However, we are only able to mail membership materials to one physical address, so we request that all cardholders reside in the same household. 

Why am I still getting renewals?

Whoops! Sometimes we cross in the snail-mail. If you receive two or more renewal notices after renewing your membership, please contact us at 816.751.1278

Are memberships transferrable or refundable?

Museum memberships are a tax-deductible gift; therefore, they are not refundable or transferrable.

Where do I find my member ID or digital card?

Your member is located on the back of your membership card. A digital copy of your card can be found by logging in to our website.

How do I update my contact info?

You can login to your member account to make edits or call 816.751.1278 if you would like assistance with any changes.

Do I need to reserve a ticket?

For General Admission and for Featured Exhibitions- No reservations required! Your Member Card provides ticketless entry for you and for your guests.

How do I get in and out of the garage?

Use your Member Card to enter and exit the Museum Garage. For best results, hold your current plastic card 1-3 inches from the Member scanner. If you are using your Digital Member Card, please make sure to turn your screen brightness all the way up! If you forget your Member Card (or are still waiting for it to arrive) please pull a ticket from the machine and visit the Info Desk in Bloch Lobby to have it validated before exit.


Benefits

Do I get free admission to all events?

Most member and museum events are free for members. If there is a cost, members typically receive a discount. Please note that signature events like Shuttlecork and the museum’s annual gala benefit the museum and are not discounted.

Do members have to pay for parking in the garage?

Members receive free parking in the garage during museum hours (based on availability). A valid Member Card is required to activate the garage arm. If you are an active member, but do not have a Member Card, please visit the Info Desk during your visit and exchange your garage ticket for a Temporary Member Card. 

How many tickets do I get?

Members receive free tickets to featured exhibitions based their level. Use your Member Card to skip the line and access your daily allotment of free tickets. (Yep, there’s no annual limit – members can see featured exhibitions every day for free!)

Are there any discounts on membership?

We offer $10 discount on any level of membership for seniors, students, veterans and educators; these discounts cannot be stacked or combined with other promotions. We are only able to honor this offer for onsite membership purchases. 


Business Council

How can my company get involved at the museum?

Your company can involve by joining the Business Council, sponsoring an event or matching any gift an employee makes to the museum.

What’s the difference between a corporate membership and an individual membership?

A corporate membership is for the company as a whole and has benefits that are associated. An individual membership is for a specific individual and has benefits that are associate for that individual.

Can my employer offer discounts to employees?

Companies can offer different discounts to their employees depending on the level they are supporting within the Business Council.


Society of Fellows

What is the dedicated concierge phone line?

This line is reserved for members at or above the Collector’s Circle $3,000 level and offers assistance booking tours, event space and reservations in Rozzelle Court. Please contact us at 816.751.0426 to take advantage of this benefit.

What is the C100 group and how do I join?

The Committee of 100 (C100) is a volunteer committee who work to plan and implement signature fundraising events, deepen engagement, and further the museum’s mission. To be a part of C100, you must be a member at the Art Lover ($500) level or above. To sign up, call 816.751.1278.

What is the Collector’s Circle and how do I join?

The Collector’s Circle is a group for art enthusiasts with an interest in understanding acquisition, investing in the community, and building their personal art collection. To be a part of the Collector’s Circle, you must be a member at the Collector’s Circle ($3,000) level or above. To sign up, call 816.715.1278.

How much are event rental rates discounted for SOF members?

Society of Fellows members for two years at the Collector’s Circle level and above receive 50% off the rental fee.


Other

How do memberships support the museum?

Your membership allows everyone to experience the extraordinary collection at The Nelson-Atkins of Art by supporting these inspiring highlights –

  • With member support, the museum continues to remain free of charge to our more than 500,000 visitors each year.
  • Membership contributions help fund our annual arts education program for 18,000 school students who tour or take workshops at the museum.
  • The Asian art collection is top three in the world.
  • The Bloch Galleries is one of the top Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections.
  • The Photography collection, with over 14,000 pieces, thanks to the Hall Family Foundation, is amongst the best in the world.
  • When it was built, the Bloch Building was listed as THE architectural marvel in the world by Time Magazine.

Can I purchase a membership through my Donor Advised Fund or Family Foundation?

Yes, you can! However, to comply with IRS regulations, no food or beverage can be received in association with this contribution and these benefits will be waived.  You still receive daily exhibition tickets, discounts in the Museum Store, and complimentary garage parking.

If you would like to receive invitations to special events where the museum provides food and beverage, an additional personal payment above and beyond the membership level amount is necessary to cover the estimated cost of goods and services.

Questions? Please call the Membership Team at 816.751.1278. or e-mail membership@nelson-atkins.org.

Can I use Apple Pay?

You can use Apple Pay for one-time payments, but monthly payment plans must use a credit card and you must select “Save my payment” when checking out.