Membership
Become a Member, Support JANM
Members make the Japanese American National Museum strong. Members like you helped JANM grow from its beginnings as a small volunteer-led organization into a world-class institution accredited by the American Association of Museums, a Smithsonian Affiliate, and recognized as one of America’s Cultural Treasures.
When you become a Member, you help drive our mission forward by illuminating history, informing the present, and shaping a more just future. Make a profound impact by becoming a Member.
Your annual membership helps support our award-winning education programs and exhibitions, and deliver innovative public programs to visitors, supporters, and Members around the world. Your membership also helps care for JANM’s extensive collection of over 160,000 artifacts that preserve the story of Japanese Americans and allows us to continue sharing this rich legacy to future generations.
Our Members receive many outstanding benefits, making your JANM experiences more enjoyable and valuable.
Membership Benefits
You as a Member contribute to promoting the understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience. Member benefits include:
- Special pre-sale tickets to events during the Pavilion renovation
- Free or reduced price admission to public programs, workshops, and lectures
- Invitations to Members’ Only exhibition openings
- Museum e-newsletter subscription
- 10% discount at the JANM Store on janmstore.com and 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days (some exceptions may apply)
- Exclusive members-only discounts at participating businesses
- And more, based on your membership level
Valid for one year, renewable annually. Membership purchases and donations to JANM are not refundable. Membership cards are not transferable and may only be used by the person(s) listed on the card.
JANM Membership Levels
Student ($40):
General benefits for one full-time student enrolled at an accredited high school, college, or university
- Free or discounted price admission to all JANM and JANM on the Go programs
- First to know about upcoming JANM on the Go programming
- Invitations to Members’ Only exhibition openings and other Member events
- Museum e-newsletter subscription
- 10% discount at the JANM Store at janmstore.com and 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days (some exceptions may apply)
- Special members-only discounts at participating businesses
- A copy of valid student ID must be submitted with payment
- 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law
Senior ($40):
General benefits for one senior. Must be 62 years or older.
- Free or discounted price admission to all JANM and JANM on the Go programs
- First to know about upcoming JANM on the Go programming
- Invitations to Members’ Only exhibition openings and other Member events
- Museum e-newsletter subscription
- 10% discount at the JANM Store at janmstore.com and 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days (some exceptions may apply)
- Special members-only discounts at participating businesses
- 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law
Individual ($60):
General benefits for one adult.
- Free or discounted price admission to all JANM and JANM on the Go programs
- First to know about upcoming JANM on the Go programming
- Invitations to Members’ Only exhibition openings and other Member events
- Museum e-newsletter subscription
- 10% discount at the JANM Store at janmstore.com and 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days (some exceptions may apply)
- Special members-only discounts at participating businesses
- 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law
Family/Dual ($95):
General benefits for two cardholders
- Free or discounted price admission to all JANM and JANM on the Go programs
- First to know about upcoming JANM on the Go programming
- Invitations to Members’ Only exhibition openings and other Member events
- Museum e-newsletter subscription
- 10% discount at the JANM Store at janmstore.com and 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days (some exceptions may apply)
- Special members-only discounts at participating businesses
- Up to three children’s membership cards. Please send the children’s names (under 18) to membership@janm.org
- 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law
Contributing ($200):
All the benefits of Family/Dual plus membership for two in reciprocal membership programs
- Free or discounted price admission to all JANM and JANM on the Go programs
- First to know about upcoming JANM on the Go programming
- Invitations to Members’ Only exhibition openings and other Member events
- Museum e-newsletter subscription
- 10% discount at the JANM Store at janmstore.com and 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days (some exceptions may apply)
- Special members-only discounts at participating businesses
- Up to three children’s membership cards. Please send the children’s names (under 18) to membership@janm.org
- Reciprocal membership program: Access to over 1,700 museums through the North American Reciprocal Museum Program (NARM), the Western Reciprocal Membership Program, and the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums
- $10 is not tax deductible
Supporting ($400):
All of the benefits for Contributing plus a 10% discount on JANM venue rentals
- Free or discounted price admission to all JANM and JANM on the Go programs
- First to know about upcoming JANM on the Go programming
- Invitations to Members’ Only exhibition openings and other Member events
- Museum e-newsletter subscription
- 10% discount at the JANM Store and janmstore.com and 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days (some exceptions may apply)
- Special members-only discounts at participating businesses
- Up to three children’s membership cards. Please send the children’s names (under 18) to membership@janm.org
- Reciprocal membership program: Access to over 1,700 museums through the North American Reciprocal Museum Program (NARM), the Western Reciprocal Membership Program, and the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums
- 10% discount on JANM venue rentals
- Invitations for two to one Upper-Level Member event which include exhibition previews, lectures, educational programs, and insider tours of museums
- $10 is not tax deductible
Sustaining ($700):
All of the benefits of Supporting plus invitations to all Upper-Level Member events
- Free or discounted price admission to all JANM and JANM on the Go programs
- First to know about upcoming JANM on the Go programming
- Invitations to Members’ Only exhibition openings and other Member events
- Museum e-newsletter subscription
- 10% discount at the JANM Store and janmstore.com and 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days (some exceptions may apply)
- Special members-only discounts at participating businesses
- Up to three children’s membership cards. Please send the children’s names (under 18) to membership@janm.org
- Reciprocal membership program: Access to over 1,700 museums through the North American Reciprocal Museum Program (NARM), the Western Reciprocal Membership Program, and the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums
- 10% discount on JANM venue rentals
- Invitations for two to all Upper-Level Member events which include exhibition previews, lectures, educational programs, and insider tours of museums
- $30 is not tax deductible
Director’s Circle ($1,000):
All of the benefits of Sustaining plus complimentary Smithsonian Affiliate Museum membership
- Free or discounted price admission to all JANM and JANM on the Go programs
- First to know about upcoming JANM on the Go programming
- Invitations to Members’ Only exhibition openings and other Member events
- Museum e-newsletter subscription
- 10% discount at the JANM Store and janmstore.com and 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days (some exceptions may apply)
- Special members-only discounts at participating businesses
- Up to three children’s membership cards. Please send the children’s names (under 18) to membership@janm.org
- Reciprocal membership program: Access to over 1,700 museums through the North American Reciprocal Museum Program (NARM), the Western Reciprocal Membership Program, and the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums
- 10% discount on JANM venue rentals
- Invitations for two to all Upper-Level Member events which include exhibition previews, lectures, educational programs, and insider tours of museums
- Complimentary Smithsonian Museum membership and subscription to Smithsonian magazine
- Recognition as a Director’s Circle Member
- $62 is not tax deductible
President’s Circle ($5,000):
All of the benefits of Director’s Circle plus private use of the Democracy Center’s Lab
- Free or discounted price admission to all JANM and JANM on the Go programs
- First to know about upcoming JANM on the Go programming
- Invitations to Members’ Only exhibition openings and other Member events
- Museum e-newsletter subscription
- 10% discount at the JANM Store and janmstore.com and 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days (some exceptions may apply)
- Special members-only discounts at participating businesses
- Up to three children’s membership cards. Please send the children’s names (under 18) to membership@janm.org
- Reciprocal membership program: Access to over 1,700 museums through the North American Reciprocal Museum Program (NARM), the Western Reciprocal Membership Program, and the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums
- 10% discount on JANM venue rentals
- Invitations for two to all Upper-Level Member events which include exhibition previews, lectures, educational programs, and insider tours of museums
- Complimentary Smithsonian Museum membership and subscription to Smithsonian magazine
- Private use of the Democracy Center’s Lab for a business meeting or an intimate family gathering (excluding catering, A/V, security, and party rentals)
- Behind-the-scenes Collections Tour of the Museum for six, including areas not accessible to the public, by appointment
- Recognition as a President’s Circle member
- $62 is not tax deductible
Chairperson's Circle ($10,000):
All of the benefits of President’s Circle plus a behind-the-scenes tour of JANM’s Collections space
- Free or discounted price admission to all JANM and JANM on the Go programs
- First to know about upcoming JANM on the Go programming
- Invitations to Members’ Only exhibition openings and other Member events
- Museum e-newsletter subscription
- 10% discount at the JANM Store and janmstore.com and 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days (some exceptions may apply)
- Special members-only discounts at participating businesses
- Up to three children’s membership cards. Please send the children’s names (under 18) to membership@janm.org
- Reciprocal membership program: Access to over 1,700 museums through the North American Reciprocal Museum Program (NARM), the Western Reciprocal Membership Program, and the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums
- 10% discount on JANM venue rentals
- Invitations for two to all Upper-Level Member events which include exhibition previews, lectures, educational programs, and insider tours of museums
- Complimentary Smithsonian Museum membership and subscription to Smithsonian magazine
- Private use of the Democracy Center’s Lab for a business meeting or an intimate family gathering (excluding catering, A/V, security, and party rentals)
- Behind-the-scenes Collections Tour of the Museum for ten, including areas not accessible to the public, by appointment
- Recognition as a Chairperson’s Circle Member
- $62 is not tax deductible
Membership Discounts
In addition to free and reduced price fees to public programs, workshops, and lectures, JANM members can also receive discounts at the JANM Store and participating locations.
- JANM Store—10% discount at janmstore.com; 20% discount on Member Appreciation Days. LEARN MORE
- Supporting Businesses—Exclusive members-only discounts at participating businesses. SEE LIST
- Reciprocal Membership Programs—Free admission and member discounts at participating museums in North America for Contributing Members and above. LEARN MORE
- Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM)*
- North American Reciprocal Museums (NARM)*
- Western Reciprocal Program
Member Events
Member Events
This is a carousel. This section contains multiple slides with links to events. Use the left and right arrow buttons to navigate.
Invitations to Members Only Events
Exclusive events for our members such as exhibition tours, meet-and-greets, and receptions.
Members also receive special perks, discounts, and priority access to JANM events! Most public programs are free for JANM members unless otherwise noted. Check our Events Calendar for a complete listing of upcoming events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I become a member?
Members are critical to expanding our impact, especially during this exciting moment in JANM’s history. Your annual membership helps us drive forward our mission and illuminate history, inform the present, and shape a more just future.
How do I become a member?
Joining can easily be done through a number of methods:
Web site: Join/renew here
Call us: 213.830.5646
Mail:
Japanese American National Museum
Membership Department
100 N. Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012-3901
What are digital membership cards?
Digital membership cards are virtual cards that allow you to access your membership benefits conveniently from your smartphones or other digital devices. Instead of carrying a physical card, you can download and store your digital card in apps like Apple Wallet or Google Pay. Digital membership cards display your name, membership ID, membership level, expiration date, and barcode. Digital membership cards are secure, automatically update after you renew, and are friendlier to the environment than traditional plastic cards.
How will I receive my digital membership card?
Once your membership is processed, you will receive an email with a unique link that will show you options to access your digital membership card.
Will I need to download my digital membership card each time I renew my membership?
Once you download your digital membership card to your Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Pay (Android/Samsung/Pixel) app, your membership card will update automatically whenever you renew.
If you prefer to print a copy of your card or save as a file or image, you will need to do so each time you renew.
How can I access my digital card?
Once your membership has been processed, you will receive an email from us with a unique link. Follow the link and choose from one of the following options:
Print Membership Card – if you prefer to print a copy of your card
Download Membership Card – if you prefer to save to your card as a file or image
Add to Apple Wallet – if you prefer to download your card to your iPhone wallet
Google Pay | Save to phone – if you prefer to download your card to your Google Pay app on your Android/Pixel/Samsung device
How do I use my digital membership card?
Your digital membership card works just like a traditional paper card. Just present your digital card for scanning when you visit. Your digital membership card is always with you, so you can conveniently access reciprocal benefits when traveling.
How can I share the other card if my membership includes two members?
Once your membership has been processed, the primary member will receive an email with a unique link for each named member associated with the membership. As the primary member, you may forward the email to the secondary named member so they can access their own digital membership card.
What if I lose or delete my membership card, or it hasn’t arrived yet?
Contact the membership team and we’ll be happy to resend your digital membership card link to your email address. Members can also present a photo ID at our admission desk or event check-in. We will look up your membership details and get you on your way as quickly as possible.
Can I access my membership card without using the Apple Wallet or Google Pay app?
Yes. Just choose from the other options listed when you follow the link in the email you received from us:
Choose “Print Membership Card” to print a copy of your card.
Choose “Download Membership Card to save to your membership card as a file or image.
Members may always present a photo ID at admission or event check in.. We will look up your membership details and get you on your way as quickly as possible.
Can someone else use my membership card?
No. Digital membership cards are not transferrable. Only the member(s) named on the membership may use the digital membership card.
Will the recipient of my gift membership receive a digital membership card?
Yes. If you choose “Deliver membership to: Gift recipient” and provide the gift recipient’s email address, they will receive a welcome email with digital membership card link(s).
What if I still want a physical membership card?
If you prefer to have a physical membership card please email us at membership@janm.org or call us at 213.830.5646 with your request.
What if I still want a physical membership card?
If you prefer to have a physical membership card please email us at membership@janm.org or call us at 213.830.5646 with your request.
How do I get my member discount online at janmstore.com?
At the janmstore.com checkout, enter the code: JANM MEMBER. Your discount will appear if your membership is active in our system. There are no additional discounts on sale items or certain other products (memberships, Courtyard engravings, for example). If the code does not work, email the JANM Store at museumstore@janm.org with your name, membership number, and expiration date. They will make note of your active membership and send you a link to complete the discounted transaction.
How do I upgrade my membership to a higher level? Do I have to wait until my membership expires?
You may upgrade your membership at any time by paying the difference of your upgrade. For example, if you are currently an Individual member ($60) but would like to add your family to your membership. You can upgrade to a Family/Dual membership ($95) by just sending payment for $35 to cover the cost of the upgraded membership.
Please include a note stating that you wish to upgrade your membership and listing your name, address, membership number, and the membership level you wish to upgrade into. If you are upgrading from an Individual, Senior, or Student level to a Family/Dual level or above, please include the name of your new member cardholder and they will be added to your membership. Payment can be completed with credit card by phone, or by mailing a check to JANM (Attn: Membership Department).
How do I find out if my membership has expired?
Museum membership is valid for one year. You will begin receiving membership renewal notices two months before your membership expires. You may also check your membership card for the expiration date or contact us at membership@janm.org or by calling 213.830.5646.
I am a member of the Museum. How can I become more involved?
The heart of JANM is found in its dedicated community of volunteers who share a commitment to promoting understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity through the preservation and sharing of the Japanese American experience. To learn more about JANM’s volunteer program, please visit janm.org/volunteer or call the volunteer hotline at 213.830.5645.
Can I use my Donor Advised Fund towards my membership dues?
You may use your established donor advised funds (“DAFs”) towards certain levels of membership. Please note that membership dues at the Contributing level and up are not 100% tax-deductible due to associated benefits, and cannot be paid using a donor advised fund. The Internal Revenue Service and Department of Treasury have certain policies and regulations regarding donor advised funds that may change accordingly.
Have questions?
Contact the JANM Membership Department at membership@janm.org or 213.830.5646.
Visit our Ways to Give page for other ways to support JANM.