Become a Member
Discover the perks of membership and support arts and culture in your community!
Why Become a Member of the Des Moines Art Center?
Enjoy Exclusive Benefits
Members enjoy exclusive benefits, discounts, and exciting behind-the-scenes experiences.
Help Inspire Others Through Art
Membership supports free Art Center programming with over 40 organizations and schools.
Connect With The Community
Members are part of a community that loves making deep connections to art.
Support Free Admission
Financial support through membership helps keep the Art Center free and accessible to everyone, every day.
We are pleased to provide all members with a variety of benefits:
- 20% discount for studio classes, camps, and workshops
- 10% discount in the Museum Shop + double discounts four times a year
- Opportunity to join member groups—Art Noir and Print Club, each group hosts four events a year
- Invitation to annual member social
- Day-trip travel opportunities with Art Center’s Member Travel Program
- Eligibility to participate in My Museum Monday
- Receive the monthly Membership Matters digital newsletter from the John and Mary Pappajohn Director
- Mailed invitation to exhibition openings
- Subscription to Art Center printed newsletter
- Digital Membership Card goes where you go!
- Opportunity to attend a Membership Orientation and tour
- Early notification for studio classes, camps, and workshop registration dates
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 with Salon 4700 |
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Additional Membership Levels
Curator's Circle
Everything at Influencer level plus…
Provide critical support to the museum, exhibitions, and collections while enjoying intimate events with curators and the John and Mary Pappajohn Director.
Philanthropic Circle
Everything at Curator’s Circle level plus…
Contribute to Des Moines vibrant cultural landscape. Invest in the future of contemporary art and receive the first invitation to travel internationally with the John and Mary Pappajohn Director.
Join a Member Group
Art Noir
Art Noir hosts four unconventional and lively events throughout the year, offering new and creative ways to interact with the art around us. This group invites emerging professionals (ages 21-40) to share their passion for arts and culture.
Print Club
Print Club encourages the study and appreciation of fine prints. Print Club members have the opportunity to directly enhance the Art Center’s collections with gifts of prints and the conservation of works in the collections.
Salon 4700
Salon 4700 provides in-depth engagement with the art and artists of our time, while fostering collaboration and sparking meaning conversations. Participants can expect to learn and engage with artists, visionary community members, and other members of the Art Center.
Frequently Asked Membership Questions
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How do I access my digital membership card?
Directions for accessing your digital membership can be found here.
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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. Early renewal will extend your current expiration date by 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. This discount does not apply to 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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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. 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 day-trip travel opportunities. Members at the Dual/Household level and above ($75) will be invited to national travel opportunities. Members at the Ambassador ($140) level and above will be invited to travel nationally. Philanthropic Circle members at $1,250 and above will receive first invitation to travel internationally with the John and Mary Pappajohn 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 1,200 premier arts and cultural museums across the United States to our members at the Ambassador ($140) level and higher. Members at the Influencer ($250) level and higher receive free admission and benefits to an additional 70+ modern and contemporary museums in the US and Canada. 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 Curator's Circle 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 Curator’s Circle ($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?
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 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.
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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.