Frequently asked questions about Membership
Member benefits
How do I become a Member?
- Join online by credit or debit card, or by setting up an annual Direct Debit
- Visit the Ticket or Information Desk in the Great Court or any of the British Museum shops
- Telephone the Membership Office on 020 7323 8195. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm. Please be aware that whilst we endeavour to answer all calls, at the start of major exhibitions lines can become extremely busy.
How do I renew my Membership?
If you pay by Direct Debit your Membership will be renewed automatically and you will be sent your new Membership card at least 14 days before the debit is due on your account. Otherwise, you will receive a letter to remind you when it is time to renew. You can renew online or by phone or post. If you renew by Direct Debit rather than cheque, credit or debit card or cash, you can renew at a discounted rate.
What should I do if I lose my Membership card?
Members need to bring their cards to ensure free entry to exhibitions. To order a replacement card please telephone the Membership Office on 020 7323 8195 or email us via friends@britishmuseum.org. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm. Please be aware that whilst we endeavour to answer all calls, at the start of major exhibitions lines can become extremely busy.
Exhibitions
Do I need to pay for special exhibitions?
No, Members receive free admission and priority access to all special exhibitions. There is no need to book a ticket in advance or queue.
Do I need to book tickets for special exhibitions?
No, go to the exhibition entrance and use your Membership card at the fast-track machine to gain admission. On rare occasions visitors and Members may be asked to wait outside temporarily if the exhibition space has reached maximum capacity.
I have just joined as a Member and want to visit the special exhibition today. Is the Membership valid straight away?
Yes, Membership is valid from the moment of purchase. If you have joined onsite, you will be given a temporary Membership card which can be used for immediate entry into the special exhibitions. If you have joined online by setting up a Direct Debit, you will receive a confirmation email of the Direct Debit Instruction, which you can print off and use as proof of Membership. If you have joined online by credit or debit card, you will be able to collect a temporary card from the Membership and Tickets desk upon your arrival at the British Museum.
Can I bring a guest to the special exhibition? Can I bring a child?
You can bring a guest of any age if you have purchased a guest facility on your membership. You are also able to bring children under 16 free of charge to the exhibition but free timed tickets must be booked in advance for them. You can do this online at http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions.aspx
Please be aware all advance tickets, including children’s tickets, are sold out for Pompeii and Herculaneum until the end of April. There are 500 walk-up tickets available each day.
Events
Are there any special events for Members?
There are five Members’ evenings and a series of Members’ parties each year where you can explore the Museum after hours and take advantage of free lectures, performances and gallery talks.
There is also a lecture programme designed exclusively for Members. Hear experts talk about fascinating topics and gain a deeper understanding of the work of the British Museum. Additional event fee applies. Subject to availability.
Information about these events will be sent to you in advance, as you will receive your annual events programme in February or on joining with further information in advance of the event by letter and email.
How do I book for lectures and events?
You can book for Members’ lectures by calling the Membership office. Unfortunately we cannot book Museum events; these must be booked by calling the information and ticketing desk, or online at http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar.aspx. Please note that a booking fee applies.
Do Members get special rates to events?
Members receive the concession price to all paid lectures, films and performances at the Museum unless specifically stated.
How do I find out about special offers?
Sign up for the monthly Members’ enewsletter and receive regular offers exclusively for Members. Contact friends@britishmuseum.org and request to receive these emails. Also check the online information for current Members.
At the Museum
Where is the Members’ Cloakroom?
Members have a cloakroom for their use next to the Montague Place entrance. It is free to deposit any item. Please be aware that any items deposited at the main Museum cloakroom will be subject to the full fee.
Where is the Members’ Room?
The Members' Room can be accessed through the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery and up the West Stairs to Level 1. The room is wheelchair accessible from the lift at the bottom of the West Stairs.
What are the Members’ Room opening hours?
The Members’ Room is open from 10am to 5.20pm, with last food orders taken at 5pm.
Is food and drink available in the Members’ Room?
Yes, there is a selection of hot and cold light lunches, tea, coffee, and cakes, as well as wine, beer and soft drinks.
Is there Wifi in the Members’ Room?
Yes. The Membership Services Assistant will be able to give you the details.
Can I bring guests to the Members’ Room? What about children?
You can bring a guest if you have purchased a guest facility for your membership. You can bring up to four children under the age of 16 into the room.
Using your membership
Can I lend my Membership card to my partner or a friend?
Only the named Member may use their Membership card. However, you can share your enjoyment with a friend or family member living at the same address by upgrading to Joint Membership for just £22. To add an additional card to your Membership telephone the Membership Office on 020 7323 8195 or email friends@britishmuseum.org
Can I bring a guest?
You can bring as many people as your membership allows. If you have opted to purchase a guest card, you can bring a guest (your card will state ‘admits 2’. If you have joint membership, both you and the additional cardholder can opt to bring a guest.
As a Member, how do I find out about forthcoming Museum exhibitions and events?
Every two months you will receive a What’s on guide to keep you up-to-date with Museum events and exhibitions as well as three editions a year of the British Museum Magazine, full of interesting articles on the permanent collection and forthcoming exhibitions.