All SFMOMA member benefits are subject to change.
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Member FAQ
I'm a member. How do I get tickets?
Reserve online: To ensure your preferred day and time for visiting, we encourage you to reserve your tickets online in advance of your visit. You may also purchase tickets for additional guests beyond your member allotment. Print your tickets at home or show them on your phone to skip the Membership Desk and head straight into the galleries. If we have your email address, then you already have an online account. If you need assistance or would like to set up an online account, contact us at membership@sfmoma.org or 415.357.4135.
Reserve in person: Present your membership card at the Membership Desk to reserve tickets. Please note that the museum has a limited number of tickets available onsite every day. Members receive priority tickets through the Membership Desk, but on very busy days there is a chance tickets may sell out for your preferred timeslot.
How do I become a member or renew my membership?
There are four ways to join or renew your membership:
- Visit the onsite Membership Desk
- Go online (the fastest and Earth-friendliest way)
- Use the SFMOMA app (iOS only)
- Or call us at 415.357.4135, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It can take up to four weeks for your membership cards to be processed and delivered, but your membership and its advantages begin immediately.
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Each level of membership offers a variety of perks and benefits. Basic membership includes free admission for you and a guest for one year, invitations to exclusive member events, discounts at the SFMOMA Museum Store, and more. Higher levels of membership bring additional benefits, from guest passes for unaccompanied guests to invitations to evening receptions, day trips to Bay Area art destinations, and more.
What is the duration of a membership?
Memberships become effective immediately and expire after one year on the last day of the month of purchase. For example, if you purchase a membership on January 1, 2017, it will expire on January 31, 2018.
Are senior discounts available for membership?
Seniors 65 and older can save $20 on Individual and Dual memberships. This discount is not available online. The fastest and most efficient way to receive this discount is by visiting the onsite Membership Desk. Alternatively, you can send a check made payable to SFMOMA to: SFMOMA, Attn: Member Services, 151 Third St., San Francisco, CA 94103 or call Member Services at 415.357.4135.
Can I bring a guest?
Members at all levels can bring one guest per member free of charge on each day that they visit. Membership at the Dual level and higher extends complimentary admission to up to four people (one guest per person for each of the two cardholding members). To receive complimentary admission, guests need to be accompanied by a current member or have guest passes (to come unaccompanied). See Membership Levels + Benefits for more details.
On any given day, members may book onsite, online, or by phone, only up to their allocated allotment of tickets per member level.
Can I bring a guest to member events?
Check your invitation for guest privilege details.
Is there a surcharge for special exhibition tickets?
Yes, special exhibitions have a surcharge. As a member, you have an allotment of free tickets for each special exhibition. Individual members can book up to 8 free tickets over the run of an exhibition. Dual members and above can book up to 16 free tickets over the run of an exhibition. Additional tickets are available at the surcharge price. General museum admission remains free for you and a guest.
Why is there timed ticketing for special exhibitions?
Timed entry ensures all members and guests enjoy their SFMOMA experience. Once you arrive at your reserved time slot with your ticket, please feel free to stay in the new SFMOMA as long as you’d like! Hold on to your ticket and sticker so that you can exit and reenter the museum.
How do I purchase additional tickets to a special exhibition once I’ve booked my allotment of free member tickets?
You have two options: You can visit SFMOMA in person to purchase special exhibition tickets only (based on availability), or you can purchase full-price tickets online (general admission + special exhibition). If you have further questions, please call 415.357.4135.
How can I keep up with museum exhibitions, programs, and events?
For up-to-the-moment news and event information, sign up for our email news, or access our online calendar of events. For a deeper dive into what’s going on at the museum, check out the biannual Member Magazine and bimonthly Member Calendar.
Can I give a membership gift through my charitable trust, foundation, or donor-advised giving?
Thanks for your interest! Read more about making a donor-advised fund grant here. For further information, contact us at membership@sfmoma.org or 415.357.4135.
What is the tax deductibility of my membership?
Individual through Supporter level memberships are fully tax deductible; Contributor level memberships are tax deductible up to $525, and Benefactor level memberships are deductible up to $1,125. SFMOMA’s EIN/federal tax ID number is 94-1156300.
What is the reciprocal admission benefit?
Members at the Supporter level and higher enjoy reciprocal admission at selected museums in North America, including free admission for you and a friend. Please note that reciprocal privileges may be restricted for specially ticketed exhibitions.
For details, please see Reciprocal Benefits.
Can I share a membership with friends or family?
Memberships are non-transferable and are to be used only by the membership cardholder. However, you are always welcome to bring a guest with you during your visit.
How do member guest passes work?
In addition to bringing a guest each time you visit, member guest passes (included with membership at the Supporter level and above) may be used for a one-time free admission during regular museum hours, without the member being present. Member guest passes do not have an expiration date. Member guest passes include admission to special exhibitions. They cannot be used for admission to members-only previews and do not entitle the holder to a Museum Store discount or other member privileges.
Can I sell my member tickets and/or guest passes?
Member tickets are intended for use by you and your accompanied guests. They may not be re-sold on third-party websites or used with vacation rentals and businesses. ID is required for member entry. The misuse of member tickets will result in the loss of member privileges.
Help, I lost my card!
No problem. Visit the onsite Membership Desk to request a replacement card and receive a temporary membership card on the spot. Alternatively, you can call Member Services at 415.357.4135 to request a replacement card. There is a $3 fee to replace member cards, however they are free when membership is renewed. Replacement cards may take up to four weeks to be received by mail.
What is the easiest way to update my contact information or check my membership status?
The easiest way to update your contact information or check your membership status is to log in to your member profile page. Still having trouble? Visit the onsite Membership Desk. Alternatively, you can contact us at 415.357.4135 or membership@sfmoma.org.
Please note: For two-card memberships (Dual and higher) only the primary member receives printed materials; however any address updates made by either member will change the mailing address on the membership.
Are memberships refundable?
No. Membership payments are a tax deductible contribution to SFMOMA. As such they are not refundable or transferable (see below).
How do I access my SFMOMA online account and what are the benefits?
If you are already receiving emails from SFMOMA, click here to request a password reset and then follow the prompts. Not receiving emails? Contact Member Services at 415.357.4135 or membership@sfmoma.org with your membership number and preferred email address and we will set up your login for you.
Accessing your online account allows you to check your membership level and expiration date, update your contact information, select member tickets, and enjoy fast and easy processing of your membership transactions. Managing your membership online also helps the museum save paper and resources.
I received a renewal notice asking me to renew my membership before it expires. Will I lose any time off my current member year?
Nope! By renewing early, you are helping us to defer much needed funds to exhibitions, education, and programs. Your membership will always be extended by twelve months from your current expiration date.
How do I sign up for the Automatic Renewal Program?
Signing up for the Automatic Renewal Program is easy (and green). Opt in when you purchase or renew your membership by mail, onsite, or by phone at 415.357.4135 (online options coming soon!). When you enroll, your annual membership donation will be automatically charged to your credit card the month of expiration.
How do I designate a second membership cardholder?
Members at the Dual level or higher may designate a second membership cardholder at the time of purchase. To add or change the secondary cardholder at a later time, the primary cardholder can either visit the onsite Membership Desk, email membership@sfmoma.org with their membership ID number, full name, and address, or call Member Services at 415.357.4135.
Are there audio guides?
Free audio guides are available to download onto your iOS device through the SFMOMA app. Members can also rent audio devices for a reduced price of $3 at the kiosk on Floor 2.
Can I give a membership to someone as a gift?
Definitely! Memberships make amazing gifts and last all year long. Gift memberships are defined as a membership purchased for those living in a household other than your own. You may purchase a gift membership online, onsite at the Membership Desk on Floor 2, or by phone at 415.357.4135.
Can I delay the start of a gift membership?
Gift memberships are activated as soon as payment is processed. However, all membership expiration dates are extended to the end of the month. The member will still receive a full twelve months of membership (e.g., if gift is purchased 12/2/17, the expiration date is 12/31/18).
Need more flexibility? Consider purchasing a gift certificate, good for tickets or memberships and redeemable at any time (available onsite or by phone only).