Members are the foundation of the Museum, providing significant financial support and a loyal, enthusiastic audience base for exhibitions and programs. Members receive Museum publications, such as the monthly Calendar of Events and the quarterly Blueprints, as well as reduced admission fees to programs, a discount in the Museum Shop, and invitations to special exhibition previews. The Builders, a group consisting of members contributing $100 or more annually, receive additional benefits. The Professional Circle allows companies to join the Museum as a group, and to extend membership benefits to all employees. In September, nearly 300 members enjoyed the member-exclusive opening for Up, Down, Across: Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Sidewalks. And nearly 200 Builders were welcomed at a wine-tasting event in the Museum’s Pension Commissioner’s suite in July. At the end of fiscal year 2003, the Museum counted approximately 4,300 members, with membership income up by 8.5 percent over the previous year.

The Corinthians are a group of major donors each of whom gives $1,000 or more in unrestricted funds annually to the Museum. Contributions at this level enable the Museum to present quality exhibitions and programming, and are an essential component of the Museum’s operating budget. Corinthians enjoy numerous benefits, including a larger discount in the Museum Shop, parking privileges, invitations to special tours and private receptions, and more. During fiscal year 2003, Corinthians mingled and dined with architects Zaha Hadid and Bing Thom, among other prominent guests.