Member FAQs
Can I apply my paid ALL ACCESS tickets toward an annual membership?
You may apply the cost of ALL ACCESS tickets purchased within 30 days toward the purchase of a membership. The number of tickets eligible for credit are the number that are provided as part of the level of membership being purchased. Show your ticket(s) and/or receipt at any admissions desk, or call 713.639.7550 for assistance.
When will I receive my membership cards?
Allow four to six weeks after purchasing your membership for your cards to arrive. If you have not received your cards by then, please visit one of the admission desks, located in the lobbies of the Museum, or contact the membership department at membership@mfah.org or 713.639.7550.
Can I come to the Museum without my card?
Yes. When you arrive at the Museum, present a photo ID at the admissions desk, where we can look up your account. To receive discounted parking at the MFAH parking garages when you do not have your membership card, please be sure to stop by any admissions desk during regular Museum hours for assistance before returning to your parked car.
How do I get discounted parking?
All members receive discounted parking in the three parking garages: the above-ground garage at 1144 Binz Street, and the underground garages at 5101 Montrose Boulevard and 5500 Main Street. Please bring your membership card with you. When you scan it at one of the self-pay stations, your card will activate the discount.
If you have misplaced your membership card, please call 713.639.7550 and let us know. Or, stop by any admissions desk during regular Museum hours for assistance before returning to your parked car.
Learn more about parking and transportation options, including garage fees. Still have parking questions? Please contact us at guestservices@mfah.org or 713.639.7300 during business hours.
How many cards do I get?
When you receive your membership card packet by mail, you will find one or two membership cards, depending on your membership level. Student and Individual members receive one card, and Dual, Family, Patron, Supporting, Sponsor, and Benefactor members receive two cards.
I think I have lost my membership cards or never received them. What do I do?
Contact the membership department at membership@mfah.org or 713.639.7550, or notify staff at one of the admissions desks. We will be happy to provide a replacement card.
How many guests may I bring to members preview parties?
As a benefit, members receive an exclusive peek at selected exhibitions before the shows open to the general public. All membership events may be attended by the individual(s) covered in the membership level.
Can I get in for free at other museums?
At the Patron level, you are allowed reciprocal membership benefits at more than 70 museums throughout the United States. For members at the Supporting level and higher, the Texas Museum Reciprocal Program is included, which provides complimentary general admission to most museums in Texas. See a list of participating museums,
At this time, there is not a level that provides membership to all the rich and diverse museums in Houston. For more information about other local museums, visit the Houston Museum District Association website.
Can I give my card to someone else to use?
Your membership card and privileges are nontransferable. They are valid only for the person(s) named on the membership account.
Can my children who are in college or in their 20s use my Family-level membership?
No. Family-level memberships (and above) are valid for two adults and children between the ages of 5 and 18. If you have a child who is older than 18, we recommend purchasing a membership in his or her name. Student memberships are only $40 and Individual memberships are $70.
Are there any special organizations for young people at the MFAH?
Members in their 20s and 30s are invited to join Art Crowd. This lively group of young members take in exhibition- or collection-centric events partnered with music, cocktails, nibbles. This is an excellent way to connect with other young arts enthusiasts in the area. For more information or to join, visit mfah.org/artcrowd or call 713.639.7550.
My company has a matching-gifts program. Is the MFAH eligible to receive the matching gift?
Yes. The Internal Revenue Service has identified the MFAH as a nonprofit organization and as such is eligible to receive your company’s matching gift. Please fill out the form you have obtained from your company. Matching gifts may be applied at any time during the 12 months of your membership. Please note that matching gifts may not be used to upgrade memberships.
How can I stay informed about exhibitions, programming, and events?
A weekly e-newsletter is sent to all members who share their email addresses with us. Content includes information about upcoming events, breaking reports, and exhibition openings. It is the best way to remain up to date on timely Museum news. Please provide your email address during the 12 months of your membership. We do not share email addresses, and you may opt out of this service at any time.
Our website calendar has comprehensive Museum information as well, and you can also stay in the loop with your automatic subscription to the Museum’s bimonthly Calendar publication for members.
Plus, stop by the Members Lounge, located on the lower level of the Caroline Wiess Law Building, to speak with an associate about exhibitions and programming.
What is the Members Lounge, when can I visit, and where is it located?
The Members Lounge is a comfortable area for members to relax, plan out the next steps in their visit, and learn about upcoming exhibitions, programs, and events. Please stop by at any time during the following hours, all year long.
- Wednesday | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday | 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday | 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday | 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Members Lounge is located on the lower level of the Caroline Wiess Law Building, near Brown Auditorium Theater. We look forward to welcoming you.
What are the Members Lounge Guidelines?
The Members Lounge is an exclusive space for members to rest during their visit, plan out their next stop, and learn about upcoming exhibitions, program, and events. Our helpful team can assist with your visit, renew your membership, take care of your parking discount, and arrange a gift membership. To make the space an enjoyable environment, please be aware of the guidelines for the Members Lounge:
Time in Lounge. Please be considerate of your time and taking up space in the lounge. It is a rest stop during the museum visit. You may be asked to asked to leave if the length of your visit is excessive or the frequency of your visits is extreme. The Lounge is meant to be enjoyed by as many members as we can accommodate. The Lounge or its staff cannot be dominated by one guest or party.
Be Respectful. Use your inside voice and headphones for any audio. Excessive noise is not allowed. While comfortable, this space is also a professional environment and we reserve the right to refuse admittance to anyone who interferes with the atmosphere of the lounge.
Guests. The Lounge has a limited capacity and is an exclusive space for members of the Museum, therefore no guests are allowed.
Be Considerate and Appropriate. While in the lounge, a team member is available to help with your visit. They can speak to Museum-related questions, but not topics such as politics or personal subject matter.
How can I get more involved with the MFAH?
There are several ways to be involved with the Museum. You may volunteer through the MFAH Guild, become a docent, join one of the Patron Groups, or provide a donation to the annual fund. For more information, call the membership department at 713.639.7550 and share your interests. We would be happy to recommend an area in line with your preferences.
My question has not been addressed here. What do I do?
Please call the membership department during Museum hours at 713.639.7550 or drop us an email at membership@mfah.org. Membership office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend emails are answered on the following Monday.