Existing Members

If the answer to your question can't be found in our FAQs please email the Membership office at friends@britishmuseum.org and we'll aim to respond within five working days or sooner.

• You can order a replacement card by contacting the Membership Office: 
  • Email: friends@britishmuseum.org
  • Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 8195
• Please note that replacement cards can take up to 10 working days to be dispatched, but you're welcome to collect temporary cards from the Membership Desk in the Great Court at any time.

• If you signed up for a recurring annual payment via Direct Debit when you joined, we'll renew your Membership automatically and send you a new Membership card at least 14 days before the debit is due on your account.  
• If you didn't sign up for a recurring annual payment via Direct Debit, you'll receive a letter to remind you when it's time to renew.
• You can renew online or by calling +44(0)20 7323 8195 or by returning your renewal form by post. If you've previously paid by credit card, you can change to an annually recurring payment via Direct Debit to renew your Membership at a discounted rate.

• To add a guest facility or additional card to your Membership, please contact the Membership office:
  • Email: friends@britishmuseum.org
  • Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 8195
• You can add a Guest Facility for £30 or add an additional card holder (who must live at the same address as you) for just £24 anytime during your Membership.
• Members who add a Guest Facility will receive one card, which reads 'Admits 2'.
• Individual Members with an additional card holder will each receive one card, which reads 'Admits 1' and these can only be used by the named individuals.
• If you have an Individual Membership with an additional card holder, and wish to add a Guest Facility, this must be added to the primary cardholder’s Membership in the first instance.
• A second Guest Facility may then be added to the additional card thereafter.
• Please note that we can change the primary cardholder upon renewal.  
• Please note that upgrades will run alongside the existing Membership year and expire in line with that Membership.

• Members can visit all exhibitions for free without booking.
• Please note that at peak times, when large numbers of Members are visiting an exhibition (such as the opening and closing weekends), we may ask you to collect a timed ticket to gain entry at a later time on the same day.
• Our timed ticketing system aims to ensure your experience of the exhibition isn't compromised by overcrowding.  
• For popular exhibitions, we have a guaranteed entry list for Members to ensure that you can see the exhibitions on your chosen day at a time that is convenient for you.
• If you'd like to be added to the guaranteed entry list for an exhibition, please contact the Membership Office:
  • Email: friends@britishmuseum.org
  • Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 8195

• You can take in as many guests as your Membership allows.
• Please check the back of your Membership card for 'Admits 1' or 'Admits 2'.
• Members can bring a maximum of four children under the age of 16 to all special exhibitions and the Members' Room. 
• Please note that Young Friends Membership does not give priority access to exhibitions. 

Under 16s

• Members can bring a maximum of four children under the age of 16 to all special exhibitions and the Members' Room.
• If you'd like to bring additional children you can also book a free ticket for any under 16s who are accompanying you to the exhibition.

• You can access the Members' cloakroom next to the Montague Place entrance.
• It's free to deposit up to two items, that is, one coat and a bag.
• Please note that the Museum doesn't permit any wheeled items of luggage on site or folding bikes inside the building.
• For the latest updates please check the facilities page on the main website. 
• Please be aware that any items deposited at the main Museum cloakroom, located at the Great Russell Street entrance, will be subject to the full fee for depositing items there and you won't be able to claim a refund. 
• Please note that all Museum cloakrooms are operated by British Museum staff. Any items left without the assistance of British Museum staff will be removed and are likely to be destroyed. 
   

• Visit the Members' events page for full details of the Members' events programme. 
• Members receive the What's On guide by post and a monthly Members’ e-newsletter with information about Members' events.
• To receive these updates, please ensure we have your email address and permission by contacting the Membership Office:
  • Email: friends@britishmuseum.org 
  • Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 8195

Please contact the Membership Office with your new details and we'll amend our records:

• Email: friends@britishmuseum.org 
• Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 8195

• If purchasing an item from the British Museum shop online, please add your items to the basket and select  'View Basket' when ready to pay.
• On the following screen, a button will appear marked 'Validate Membership.'
• Please click this button and enter your Membership number when prompted – the Membership discount will then be subtracted from the total value.
• When booking event tickets online for non-Membership events, please enter the number of tickets under the Members option on the ‘Select your Tickets’ screen – the Membership discount will then be applied to your booking.