Become a Member
Discover the perks of membership and support arts and culture in your community!
Why Join the Des Moines Art Center?
Exclusive Benefits
You will enjoy exclusive benefits and exciting behind-the-scenes access.
Enrichment
Enrich your Art Center experience!
Community
Become part of a community making deep connections to art.
Preservation
Keep arts and culture alive now and for generations to come.
We are pleased to provide all members with a variety of benefits:
- Opportunity to participate in member groups – Art Noir and Print Club
- 20% discount for studio classes, camps, and workshops
- 10% discount in The Shop at the Art Center + double discount for members four times per year
- Free admission to monthly Yoga + Gallery Dialogues
- Invitation to annual member summer social
- Eligibility to participate in My Museum Monday
Membership Levels
Individual |
Dual/Household |
Ambassador |
Influencer |
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Select a Membership LevelSelect your preferred membership level to join or renew your existing membership. |
Starting at
$50
per year
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Starting at
$75
per year
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Starting at
$140
per year
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Starting at
$250
per year
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Member Benefits |
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Discover + Save |
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Make It a Party |
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Let’s Travel |
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Gain Access + Open Doors |
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Additional Membership Levels
Activator
Everything at Influencer level plus…
Recognition as a lead member of the Art Center and special access to the collections and curators.
Curator's Circle
Everything at Activator level plus…
Provide critical support to the museum, exhibitions, and collections while enjoying intimate events with curators and the director.
Philanthropic Circle
Everything at Curator’s Circle level plus…
Expand your impact and contribute to Des Moines vibrant cultural landscape. Invest in the future of contemporary art and receive the first invitation to travel internationally with the Art Center director.
Your Support Makes a Difference
Financial support through membership and donations enhance the cultural fabric of the community. The impact of gifts are/can be felt by:
Scholarships
A student receiving and scholarship to attend a studio class.
Admission
Free admission for everyone, every day.
Outreach
30+ organizations the Art Center partners with each year to provide free customized outreach programming.
Virtual Tours
A senior citizen viewing the newest exhibition at the Art Center virtually, from the comfort and safety of their home.
Join a Member Group
Art Noir
A community of emerging professionals. Try new things. Enjoy experimental programs and a reimagined museum experience.
Salon 4700
A dynamic group of experience seekers. Gain insider access to the museum, private collections, curators, and visiting artists. Deepening their philanthropic support to the Art Center.
Print Club
A group of print enthusiasts dedicated to the appreciation of printmaking. Supporting the Art Center with new commissions, acquisitions, and conservation of works of art on paper.
Frequently Asked Membership Questions
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How long is my membership active?
Your membership will expire at the end of the month one year from the date of purchase. Renewing early will extend your current expiration date one year.
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Do you offer discounts on memberships?
Degree-seeking students (18+), educators, artists, seniors (65+), and active military personnel are eligible for a 20% discount on memberships at the Individual level only. The discount does not apply to any other membership levels.
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Do you honor matching gifts?
You bet! You may be able to double or even triple your contribution to the Art Center through a matching gift. Contact your company’s HR department for a matching gift form and return it with your payment. Your membership level will correspond with the total gift amount.
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Is my membership tax deductible?
For individuals who itemize, Art Center memberships are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Different membership levels carry different benefits associated with them. We are able to provide you with a good faith estimated value of the goods and services provided, or Fair Market Value (FMV). Ultimately, we advise consulting a tax specialist.
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Could you tell me more about the Fair Market Value (FMV) for my membership level?
The fair market value for memberships below the Activator $550 level are in excess of the amount of the gift, thus are not eligible for tax deductions. You are receiving more value from your membership than what you paid for it!
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I want to purchase my membership using a donor advised fund or through my private foundation. How does this work?
IRS regulations prohibit the use of donor advised funds and private foundation funds to purchase memberships.
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I’m not receiving member emails or notifications about special events, why?
If you are not receiving member emails, please contact us via email. There are a variety of reasons why you may not be receiving member emails or mailed notifications based on your selected preferences or membership status.
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Can I receive a refund for my previously purchased membership?
No, a membership functions as a donation to the Art Center and is not eligible for a refund.
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May I make my membership gift in installment payments?
No. We are unable to process installment payments at this time, but it is a service we hope to reintroduce in the future.
Benefits
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I want to travel with other members in the Member Travel Program. What level should I join to participate?
All members will have access to regional travel opportunities with the base benefit package. Members at the Ambassador ($140) level and above will be invited to travel nationally, and Philanthropic Circle members at $3,000 and above will receive first invitation to travel internationally with the Art Center Director, when applicable.
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Do members receive reciprocal benefits at other museums?
The Des Moines Art Center is pleased to provide reciprocal membership benefits through NARM and ROAM at over 1,000 premier arts and cultural museums across the United States to our members at the Ambassador ($140) level and higher. See more about our reciprocal benefits…
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How do I purchase a gift membership?
Please select the “purchase a gift membership” button above at your preferred membership level.
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I'm a member at the Activator level. How do I purchase a gift membership for a new member using the 20% discount?
Please call the membership office at 515-271-0324 if you are a member at the Activator ($550) level or above to purchase gift memberships using the 20% discount. We are happy to assist you with fulfilling the gift purchase.
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I'm a Philanthropic Circle member and I'm entitled to a free gift membership at the Individual/Dual level to give as a gift to a new member. How may I redeem this benefit?
Upon joining or renewing, you will receive a voucher in the mail to present to the recipient, valid for one year. If you misplace your voucher, please call the membership office at 515-271-0324 for assistance.
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My child/dependent wants to take classes and we would like to utilize the 20% discount. What level should we join to receive the discount on classes?
Dual / Household membership benefits extend to two adults residing in the same household and any dependent children or grandchildren. The name(s) of the adult(s) must be listed on the membership. Children under the age of 18 are not eligible for Individual memberships.
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I would like a discount on the facility rental for a special event in my life. What do I need to do?
Congratulations! The Art Center is a great choice for your special occasion with many unique options to choose from. You may join at the Influencer ($250) level or above to unlock discounts on facility rentals.
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What is the name of the new benefit where members can apply to spend three hours alone in the museum and how do I apply?
My Museum Monday. Learn more about the program by clicking here.
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I want to join Salon 4700. What level should I join to participate?
Salon 4700 is a benefit at Influencer ($250) level or above with no additional fees or action required.
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May I join Salon 4700 at a lower level and pay a fee?
No, but you may upgrade to the Influencer ($250) level by calling the membership office at 515-271-0324.