Membership FAQs

How can I purchase a new membership or renew my current membership to the Penn Museum?

There are four easy ways to join or renew:

Join/Renew Online
By phone at 215.898.5093
Onsite at the Museum. Visit any guest services desk or the Museum Shop to join.
By mail: send checks made payable to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, to Membership Office, Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Do I need to bring my membership card with me when I visit?

We recommend that you bring your membership card when visiting the Penn Museum so you can easily enjoy your onsite benefits. However, if you have misplaced your card or do not have your card with you during your visit, you can check in with your name at the Museum's Main or East Entrances.

How do I purchase tickets for events with a membership discount online?

You may purchase tickets or register for events with a member discount once you have created an online account with the Museum. This account must match the primary email address we have for you. Log into your account for your discounts to apply automatically.

Can I use my membership for free admission and/or discounts at other museums?

Members at the Friends and Family level and above enjoy reciprocal benefits at participating museums throughout the country through the North American Reciprocal Museums Program (NARM) and the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM).

How long is my membership valid?

Your membership is valid for one year from the time that you join.

What happens if I lose my membership card?

You may still gain entry to the Museum by checking in at either the Main or East entrances. If you would like a replacement card you may call the Membership Office at 215.898.5093 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When will I receive my membership card?

New and renewing members receive their membership cards in approximately two weeks.

I just renewed my membership. Why did I receive another notice in the mail?

It takes up to two weeks to receive and process a renewal payment. If you recently renewed, please disregard any additional notices.

When do my benefits begin?

Your member benefits begin the day you join. If you join or renew online or through the mail and would like to visit the Museum before you have received your membership card, receptionists at any of the Museum's entrances will be able to confirm your membership.

Can I get two membership cards?

Members at the Dual level and above receive two membership cards. They may each be printed with a different member's name or both with the same name.

Can I give a membership to the Penn Museum as a gift?

Yes. Simply choose the membership level that you would like to purchase, click the “Join/Renew” button, and check the box indicating that your membership is a gift to be prompted for recipient information.

Can I bring guests with me during my visit?

All members are invited to bring guests for free on Member Guest Sundays which occur on the last Sunday of every month (please check your membership level for the number of guests you are permitted). Members at the Friends and Family level and up are invited to bring two free guests on any visit.

Is my membership tax-deductible?

Your membership contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Memberships at the Friends and Family level and below are fully tax deductible.

I received an email from the Museum inviting me to register to my online account on Museum's website. Why should I do this?

Registering for an online account enables you to purchase event tickets with your membership discount and to easily renew your membership. If you need assistance, please call the Membership Office at 215.898.5093.

How do I receive my membership discounts at the Museum Café and the Museum Shop?

Simply show your membership card at the time of your purchase to enjoy your members' discount.

How do I notify the Museum of my change of email or mailing address?

Please call Membership at 215.898.5093 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Why does the Museum request my email address?

By providing your email address, you will receive our members’ e-newsletter and stay up to date on all the ways you can make the most of your membership, including member events and workshops, special offers, and other member-related news that may not be mailed to homes.

Does the Museum share my information with anyone else?

We use email for communication purposes only and will never sell or share your email address. From time to time, the Museum does exchange our members' mailing addresses with other nonprofit cultural organizations. If you prefer this information not be shared with other nonprofits, please contact us at 215.898.5093 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Is it possible to receive a refund on my Membership?

If you are interested in a refund, we'd first love to opportunity to speak with you to understand why. We hope you have a positive membership experience, and we'd be happy to try to remedy any issues or concerns you may have regarding your membership. However, on rare occasions we will refund memberships. Refund requests are only considered within one week of the purchase, and only if no other membership benefits were used such as cafe or shop discounts, or museum visits. Contact the Membership Office at 215.898.5093 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your options.

I recently visited the Penn Museum. Can I get a discount on membership?

For up to one month after your visit , you can apply the cost of your tickets to a membership. Call 215.898.5093 to join today (hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm). Please note that only the tickets of individuals being represented on the membership may be applied).

Did you recently visit the Penn Museum and are interested in purchasing a membership?

For up to one month after your visit, you can apply the cost of your tickets to a membership. Call 215.898.5093 to join today (hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm). Please note that only the tickets of individuals being represented on the membership may be applied.