May I come to the museum without my card?

Yes. Upon entry to the museum, please show a photo ID at the Membership Services Desk, where we are able to look up your account by computer. We strongly encourage you to use show your card and photo ID when you enter the museum, as this provides a quicker entry.

I think I have lost my membership cards or never received them. What do I do?

Call the Membership Department at 713.639.7550 or notify staff at one of the Membership Services Desks. We will send you a replacement card.

How many cards do I receive?

When you receive your membership card packet by mail, you will find one large card and a series of keychain cards. The keychain cards include a miniature version of your membership card and two coupons, good for one-time use at the MFAH Shops and MFAH Films. For your identity protection in the event that your key chain is lost or stolen, only your membership ID number appears on the mini membership card.

May I bring a guest to Member preview parties and events?

As a benefit, Members get an exclusive peek at selected exhibitions before they open to the general public. All membership events—including preview parties—may be attended by the individual(s) covered in the membership level.

Can I get in free at other museums?

At the Patron level, Members receive reciprocal membership benefits at more than 30 museum throughout the United States including the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, Philadelphia Museum of Art, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and others.  Members at the Supporting level and above also participate in the Texas Museum Reciprocal Program, which provides complimentary general admission to most museums in Texas.

Click here for a complete list of participating museums.

At this time, there is not a level that provides membership to all the rich and diverse museums in Houston. For more information about other museums, visit the Houston Museum District Association website.

May I give my card to someone else to use?

Your membership card and privileges are nontransferable. They are valid only for the person(s) named on the membership account.

May my children who are in college or in their 20s use my Family level membership?

No. Family level memberships (and above) are valid for two adults and children between the ages of 5 and 18. If you have a child who is 19 or older, we recommend purchasing a membership in the child's name. Student memberships are only $40 and Individual memberships are $50.

Are there any special organizations for young people at the MFAH?

MFAH members in their 20s and 30s are invited to join Art Crowd, a group of young arts patrons who gather regularly for a lively mix of art and entertainment. For more information or to join, call 713.639.7551.

My company has a Matching Gifts Program. Is the MFAH eligible to receive the matching gift?

Yes. The Internal Revenue Service has identified the MFAH as a nonprofit organization and as such is eligible to receive your company's matching gift. Please fill out the form you have obtained from your company. Matching gifts may be applied at any time during the 12 months of your membership. Please note that matching gifts may not be used to upgrade memberships.

How can I stay informed about exhibitions, programming, and events?

A periodic e-newsletter is sent to all members who share their e-mail addresses with us. Content includes information about upcoming events, breaking reports, and exhibition openings. It is the best way to remain up to date on timely museum news. Please provide your e-mail address during the 12 months of your membership. We do not share e-mail addresses and you may opt-out of this service at any time.

Additionally, the bimonthly MFAH Calendar will be mailed to your home. Visit www.mfah.org often for comprehensive museum information and updated event schedules.

How can I get more involved with the MFAH?

There are several ways to be involved with the Museum. You may volunteer, be a docent, join one of the Curatorial Support Organizations or provide a donation to the annual fund. For more information, please call the Membership Department at 713-639-7550 and share your interests. We would be happy to recommend an area in line with your preferences.

Have MFAH Membership Benefits Changed?

In October 2005, the Family/Dual level has been split into two separate levels. The Dual level ($65) is for two adults and the Family level ($85) is for two adults and children 18 and under living in the same household. The Patron level now has reciprocal privileges with the Texas Museum Reciprocal Program.

The audio tours for the MFAH arts collections have been removed while the museum researches technology to best serve Members. Certain exhibitions will have their own audio tours or cell-phone tours. To find out if an exhibition has an audio tour, please visit the Membership Services Desk.

Preview party invitations previously mentioned that each invitation "admitted two individuals." Beginning with membership events in 2008, invitations state that the event may be attended by the "number of individuals covered in the membership level." This change only affects Student and Individual level members.

My question has not been addressed here. What do I do?

Please drop an e-mail to membership@mfah.org or call the Membership Department during office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Weekend e-mails will be answered the following Monday.

What are the rules and expectations related to membership at the MFAH?

Membership in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is intended for non-commercial use by individual members and cannot be transferred.  The Museum reserves the right to revoke memberships for abuse of member privileges, including, but not limited to, a member selling free or discounted member tickets.  Memberships are revocable licenses.  The Museum reserves the right to refuse or revoke membership and/or deny admission without refund for non-compliance with applicable rules and terms or for inappropriate conduct.  Purchase of an annual membership does not entitle purchaser to renewal in a subsequent year.  Membership levels, benefits, and prices are subject to change without notice.

When will I receive my membership cards?

Please allow four to six weeks after purchasing your membership for your cards to arrive. If you have not received your cards by then, please visit one of the Membership Services Desks (located in the lobbies of the museum) or call the Membership Department at 713.639.7550.