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Member FAQs

We hope to save you time by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about membership below, but if you don't find the answers you're looking for, just contact Member Relations at (312) 499-4111 or aicmembership@artic.edu.

What are the new membership rates?

  One Year Two Years
Student $50 n/a
E-Member $70 n/a
Member $90 $170
Member Plus $135 $255
Premium $185 $345
Lions Council $500 n/a
Lions Roundtable $1,000 n/a
Lions Circle $1,500 n/a

When will the new membership rates go into effect?

Membership fees increased on February 1, 2013.

When was the last time the Art Institute raised membership rates?

Our last rate increase took effect on January 1, 2009, prior to the opening of the Modern Wing.

Why are membership fees going up?

Periodically, the Art Institute raises rates to offset increased costs.

Will membership benefits be reduced or changed?

Absolutely not. You will continue to enjoy the same benefits you currently enjoy. In fact, we've increased member-exclusive programming by 60% in the last year, so you'll have even more opportunities to enjoy your membership. Museum membership means more today than ever before: more member lectures, more sketch classes, more stroller tours.

Are Sustaining Fellows membership fees increasing?

Not at this time.

I am already a member. Does this affect my current membership?

Not at all. Your current membership will continue as before with the same benefits and expiration date.

Will I receive a new member card?

If you choose to renew, we will send you an updated member card with a new expiration date.

I renewed my membership two weeks ago; why am I being contacted to renew again?

As a member of the Art Institute family, we wanted to extend the opportunity to renew at the old rate one more time.

What happens if I renew today?

When you take advantage of this offer to renew today, we will add additional time to your membership. You will not lose any time or benefits; we'll simply adjust the expiration date further into the future. By pre-paying your membership before March 31, 2013, you'll receive the tax deduction for your next membership now, while assuring uninterrupted benefits and savings.

Can I renew for two years instead of one?

Yes! By renewing today for two years, you'll get the best membership value.

How long do I have to renew at the old membership rates?

This offer is available until April 15, 2013. After that, renewals will be at the new rates.

Will my membership still be tax-deductible?

Memberships from the Student level through Premium will remain fully tax-deductible. Lionhearted and Sustaining Fellows memberships will continue to be partially tax-deductible. For further information about Lionhearted levels, please call (312) 499-4111. For information regarding Sustaining Fellow membership, please call (312) 443-3735.

Are membership dues refundable?

Membership dues are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Does this change affect Life members?

No, Life member benefits, which include one member card and all other Member Plus benefits, remain unchanged. Life memberships are no longer available for purchase.

I have more questions.

Please contact Member Relations at (312) 499-4111.

Who are your reciprocal partners? 

Members at the Premium Member level and above enjoy reciprocal privileges at the following museums:

Cincinnati Art Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Dallas Museum of Art
Detroit Institute of the Arts
High Museum of Art (Atlanta)
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City, Missouri)
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Saint Louis Art Museum
The Toledo Museum of Art
Vancouver Art Gallery
Walker Art Center (Minneapolis)
Whitney Museum of American Art
 

Can I give my card to someone else for a visit?

No, membership cards are not transferable. You must be present with your guests.

What level am I?

Your member level can be found on the back of your card, where your name and member ID are listed.

How long will it take for my card to arrive after purchase?

It takes aproximately 3-4 weeks for cards to arrive. You may print off any confirmation e-mail you received at the time of purchase for access to the museum. Just provide the receipt at a membership desk to pick up a temporary card.

I renewed my membership, why am I still receiving notices?

Due to processing time, some materials will cross paths in the mail. This should subside once you receive your card(s).

Is my membership tax-deductible?

Yes. Memberships at the Member, Member Plus, and Premium Member levels are fully tax-deductible. Call Member Relations at (312) 499-4111 for tax deduction information for higher membership levels.

Can I receive a refund for my membership?

No. A membership is a donation to the institution and fully tax-deductible at the Member through Premium Member levels. Call Member Relations at (312) 499-4111 for tax deduction information for higher membership levels.

Where can I find Member Magazine for the iPad?

You can search "Member Mag of the Art Institute of Chicago" in the App store or in iTunes using your iPad. Alternatively, you can use this direct link to the Member Magazine for the iPad.

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