Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art National Museum of Asian Art
Toggle Menu Search

Site Search

The Collections and Archives

Friends Circles

A top-down view of a crowd of people dressed in formal attire standing in a courtyard.

Deepen your involvement with our museum and multiply the transformative power of arts and cultures by joining the Friends Circles. With your support and leadership, the museum can connect thousands of learners with the arts of Asia and the United States.

All Friends Circles members receive the benefits of Friends membership, plus:

  • Invitations to members-only programs with curators and other museum experts
  • Invitation to annual Friends Day for behind-the-scenes programming at the museum
A crowd of people in formal attire stand in a hallway with a dome arch and tall windows.

Patrons’ Circle ($1,500–$2,999)

Take your place in this remarkable community of philanthropists, and promote the diverse cultures of Asia through the arts.

Join or Renew Now

Patrons’ Circle members enjoy:

  • Invitations to select exhibition opening receptions
  • Invitation to annual Friends Day program and the Friends Day Dinner ($)
  • Invitation to Friends weekend in New York City during Asia Week ($)

The value of Patrons’ Circle benefits is $300, and the remainder is tax deductible

People of all ages gathered outside. In the center, a smiling woman wearing a sari and elegant jewelry stands with her hands held out across from each other in a clapping position.

Benefactors’ Circle ($3,000–$4,999)

Deepen your commitment to our mission, and explore the arts of Asia and the United States within and beyond the galleries.

Join or Renew Now

Enjoy the privileges of the Patrons’ Circle, plus:

  • Invitations to the annual Friends Day and gratis invitations to Friends Day Dinner
  • Priority invitations to the Friends weekend in New York City during Asia Week ($)
  • Priority reserved seating at select public programs, concerts, and films (up to four seats)

The value of Benefactors’ Circle benefits is $600, and the remainder is tax deductible.

A curator gestures at a painting hung on the wall, speaking to three people in the foreground.

Founders’ Circle ($5,000–$9,999)

Expand the museum’s global reach, and participate in preeminent staff conversations and museum events.

Join or Renew Now

Enjoy the privileges of the Benefactors’ Circle, plus:

  • Prominent acknowledgment at the entrances to both galleries
  • Priority access to major exhibitions
  • Priority booking of museum space for private events ($)

The value of Founders’ Circle benefits is $600, and the remainder is tax deductible.

A group of people view handscrolls laid out on a table. A conservator in the middle of the group points to the nearest handscroll.

Sponsors’ Circle ($10,000–$19,999)

Become a guardian of the museum’s future, and step behind the scenes into exclusive museum experiences.

Join or Renew Now

Enjoy the privileges of the Founders’ Circle, plus:

  • Invitations to exclusive behind-the-scenes events with curators, conservators, artists, and museum leadership
  • Personalized tour of the collections for you and four guests

The value of Sponsors’ Circle benefits is $600, and the remainder is tax deductible.

A Woman stands in front of a row of photographs on display as she addresses a small audience sat on wooden stools.

Leadership Circle ($20,000 and Above)

Champion the museum at the highest level of membership, and engage one on one with museum experts and collections.

Join or Renew Now

Enjoy the privileges of the Sponsors’ Circle, plus:

  • Private meeting with the curator, conservator, or museum staff member of your choice
  • Curator-led tour of a major exhibition for you and four guests (upon request)
  • Copy of museum publication inscribed by the author
  • Invitation for a travel opportunity with museum staff and experts (as available)

The value of Leadership Circle benefits is $650, and the remainder is tax deductible.

Learn More

For more information, please contact our membership team at FriendsNMAA@si.edu.

Let’s stay in touch!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter and special announcements so you can better enjoy the museum and see the incredible impact of your gift.

Sign up now

*In response to public health protocols, the Smithsonian may opt for virtual programs to replace on-site or in-person events.

($) Denotes extra charge

  • 1050 Independence Ave. SW
    Washington, DC 20013
    202.633.1000

© 2024 Smithsonian Institution