Free Membership at WAM
Note: WAM membership entails signing up for our monthly e-newsletter, which is handled through the University of Minnesota Foundation.
- A subscription to WAM’s e-newsletters featuring upcoming programs, museum news, and special member offers.
- Discounted registration to the most popular events of the year, including exhibition openings, special events and performances, and artist talks.
- Free admission to more than 75 participating museums nationwide as part of the College and University Art Museums Reciprocal Program.
- Members-Only sales in the WAM Shop, and invitations to seasonal sales throughout the year.
Free Membership FAQs
How do I sign up for free membership?
It’s simple! All you have to do is fill out this form. We’ll use the information you provide to send you member communications like our e-newsletter and special invites. After you submit, we’ll send you an email to let you know your membership is active. If you don’t want to sign up online, you can visit our front desk and sign up with a Visitor Services team member.
What does it mean to be a member at WAM?
As a member, we’ll keep you up-to-date on all the exciting things happening at WAM. With that information, you can attend an exhibition opening, roll up your sleeves and participate in an artist-led workshop, or take advantage of seasonal sales at the WAM Shop and become the best gift-giver in your family. More than anything, we ask you to share the love—bring a friend to the museum, post pictures of your visit on social media, and participate in all the ways you’re willing and able. As a member, we look forward to getting to know you and your interests better so that we can work towards creating a more inclusive and exciting space for all members of our community.
I am a University of Minnesota student. How do these changes impact student membership?
We’re glad you asked! You have access to free membership as well! Opt in, and you get the same perks of membership that all other WAM members receive. Want to get more involved? Learn more about how to be a part of the WAM Collective here.
But, wait. Now that membership is free, what’s the point of donating?
One thing hasn’t changed: Donors play an absolutely essential role in our community. WAM is sustained by the generous contributions of its donors, who provide vital funds that sustain student scholarships and museum programs, creating exciting opportunities for future art patrons and audiences of all ages. Donors also help keep admission and programs (and now membership!) free, ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the WAM they know and love.
If you’re a WAM donor, you are automatically enrolled in the museum’s free membership program. Or, for the price of a cup of coffee each month, you can make a recurring monthly gift and become a WAM Sustaining Member, which will give you access to 10% discounts at the WAM Shop year-round. Interested in travel? Consider becoming a WAM Travel Member, and take advantage of of an extensive array of international and domestic destinations, carefully selected with art-lovers in mind.
Give today to keep admission and membership free for everyone
Before WAM transitioned to free membership, I was contributing at the Founder, Patron, or Director’s Circle level. How will I be acknowledged for my contributions?
Donors who contribute an annual amount of $300 or more will continue to receive special recognition and invitations to stewardship experiences. For more information about how this transition affects your generous giving, contact the Development Office at [email protected] or 612-626-5302.
Hang on! I still have a question.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Development Office at [email protected] or 612-626-5302.
Sustaining Membership
For the price of a cup of coffee, you’ll join the ranks of WAM’s Sustainers, whose monthly recurring gifts throughout the year help fuel the engaging programming you’ve come to count on. As a thank you for your ongoing support, WAM Sustaining Members also enjoy special savings, year-round, at the WAM Shop.