Memberships: A way to support your favorite NYC establishments

I don’t like the eliteness of Members Only type clubs. I’ve been invited to some open houses in the past for several NYC social clubs where members had to be invited and pay annual dues for the privilege of hanging out with other members at sponsored events. It felt like there was a no so subtle understanding that these memberships are for the rich and beautiful. It’s not my scene so I never applied to any of those clubs.

I do enjoy being a member of museums and other cultural institutions that I love. There are a number of benefits to being a member of an organization you care about:

• Your membership supports the collection or cause you are contributing to

• Memberships include admission so if you go more than a couple of times a year your membership will pay for itself

• You get invited to free or discounted lectures, classes, and events

• Some memberships are reciprocal so you may be able to use them for free admission to other museums or centers you plan on visiting

• You often receive a discount on gift shop merchandise and dining at the center’s restaurant or cafe

• You have the opportunity to attend previews of new exhibits and can pre-reserve viewing exhibitions or attending talks that you know will sell out

Most of us are familiar with museum memberships, but this week I’m going to share some non museum memberships that I’m happy are a part of my life.