Collectors’ Council

Ai Weiwei with Melissa Chiu during James T Demetrion Lecture

The Hirshhorn Museum Collectors’ Council offers insider access to the contemporary art world through exclusive events and opportunities to see collections, meet artists and learn more about contemporary art. All proceeds provide invaluable support for the Hirshhorn’s renowned exhibitions, programs, and collection preservation activities. Council members receive the following benefits for two people:

GLOBAL ARTS COUNCIL – $2,500 ($2,275 tax-deductible)

  • KUSAMA: Twelve reserved timed passes to experience One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection during the exhibition, April 1–Nov. 27, as available.
    • Guided group tour during your experience
    • Invitation for two to the opening party
  • VIP Pass: Admits two people for two major national art fairs (subject to availability).
  • VIP Invites:
    • One invitation to an intimate exhibition opening event
    • Experience an Exclusive Collectors’ Council program such as a private studio visit or a behind-the-scenes tour ($5,000 value)
  • Give the gift of Insider access to a friend! One Friend-level gift membership for a friend.
  • Recognition in the Smithsonian’s annual report.
  • First Access: Advance Insider registration for two passes to select programs (artist talks, films, performances). Advance sale of Hirshhorn Insider-priced tickets to the Hirshhorn Ball.
  • Insider Access: Invitation for two guests to our new Annual Insider Celebration and to one special Hirshhorn behind-the-scenes tour, such as a visit to the Museum’s new Conservation Lab. Invite to select Hirshhorn Insider Nights, and bring friends! An additional invitation for two guests to attend one Hirshhorn Insider Night.
  • Insider Perks: Hirshhorn Insider-priced tickets for select concerts, performances, and events and monthly Hirshhorn Highlights email. Intimate meet-and-greet with artists and speakers. Free subscription to Smithsonian magazine. One complimentary exhibition catalogue.
  • Insider Discounts: 10% discount at Dolcezza Café and 20% discount at the Hirshhorn and Smithsonian Museum shops with presentation of Hirshhorn Insider card.

REGIONAL COUNCIL – $5,000 ($4,506 tax-deductible)

  • You will receive:
    • Invitation to attend select council exclusive events, including artist studio visits, artist talks, and exhibition previews in Washington, DC
    • Private access to Hirshhorn exhibitions and programs with special curator-led tours and reserved seats at special lectures and programs, including the James T. Demetrion Lecture
    • Receive a Hirshhorn Collection Book
    • Recognition in the Smithsonian annual donor report and on the Hirshhorn donor board in the Museum Lobby

NATIONAL COUNCIL (formerly Director’s Council) – $10,000 ($9,206 tax-deductible)
All above benefits, plus:

  • You will receive:
    • VIP passes for major national art fairs
    • Invitations to prominent collection viewings in private homes
    • Invitations to attend exclusive exhibition preview dinners (2 per year)
    • Opportunity to participate in domestic council events including collection visits, studio tours, and gallery visits in New York and throughout the country, often tied to national art fairs.
    • Invitation to annual Collectors Dinner

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL – $25,000 ($23,436 tax-deductible)
All above benefits, plus:

  • You will receive:
    • Invitations to all exhibition dinners (3-5 per year)
    • Invitation to select Trustee dinners
    • First choice of entry time for VIP passes to major national and international art fairsFirst priority registration for the annual international study trip
    • Invitations to national and international receptions throughout the year, often surrounding art fairs