Patron Programs


Bard Graduate Center’s patron programs are communities of people who believe that objects matter: that the chair you sit in, the textile you touch, the building you enter all carry meaning that is worthy of exploration and understanding. Members and Design Circle patrons aren’t just supporting an institution, they’re joining a conversation that engages scholars, collectors, designers, and other curious minds who want to look more closely at the world around them. Your participation helps build a space where different perspectives meet so that we can exchange ideas and deepen our collective understanding of the decorative arts, design, and material culture.


Members Circle: For individuals
The BGC Members Circle brings together individuals who want to stay connected to BGC’s exhibitions, programs, and community throughout the year. Membership offers meaningful access and insider benefits while directly supporting our teaching, research, and public programming.

Members Circle Levels and Benefits

All members receive:

✓ Priority access and free tickets to exhibitions and public programs
✓ NARM reciprocal admission to hundreds of museums nationwide
✓ Invitations to exhibition openings and members-only hours
✓ Discounts on publications and merchandise from BGC’s acclaimed catalog
✓ Recognition as a valued supporter of BGC’s mission

Your membership strengthens our programs and ensures our ongoing success. It’s a simple way to stay close to the work you care about and to be part of a community that values ideas, objects, and the stories they tell.

Membership Circle

$75 Level

  • Unlimited free admission for you and a guest to the BGC Gallery

  • Invitations to openings and member receptions

  • Advance announcements and / or discounts for select programs and gallery talks

  • Ten percent discount on gift items and books

  • Special discounts and promotions throughout the year

  • Recognition in the Year in Review

$75 Membership fee is fully tax-deductible.
Join at $75 level.

$250 Level

All above membership benefits plus the following:

  • Special membership gift

  • Two issues of BGC’s scholarly journal, Source: Notes in the History of Art

The value of benefits at the $250 level is $100.
Join at $250 level.

$500 Level

All above membership benefits plus the following:

  • Special membership gift and a BGC publication

The value of benefits at the $500 level is $150.
Join at $500 level.

$1,000 Level

All above membership benefits plus the following:

  • Our most current exhibition catalogue

  • Invitations to all BGC Design Circle events and exhibition previews

The value of benefits at the $1,000 level is $300
Join at $1000 level.

If you should have further queries, please call 212.501.3038 or email us at [email protected]
Design Circle: For individuals, firms, companies, galleries, and groups
The BGC Design Circle is Bard Graduate Center’s patron program for design enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals who want to deepen their connection to the decorative arts, material culture, and design history. It’s more than membership: it’s a community of curious minds who gather for exclusive experiences, behind-the-scenes access, and meaningful conversations about the objects and ideas that shape our world.

What Brings Us Together

Design Circle members share a passion for understanding design through scholarship, craftsmanship, and cultural context.

Throughout the year, we convene for:

  • Quarterly Design Circle events at BGC and around New York City—intimate curator-led tours, collection visits, designer salons, and special programming

  • Access to select design fairs such as The Winter Show, Salon Art + Design, Collectible NY, and more

  • NARM reciprocal admission to hundreds of museums nationwide

  • Networking with fellow collectors, designers, curators, makers and scholars.

Design Circle Levels and Benefits

All Design Circle patrons receive these core benefits:

✓ Invitations to quarterly Design Circle events
✓ Access to design fairs as available
✓ NARM reciprocal museum admission
✓ Recognition in select BGC communications

Supporter – $2,500/year

  • Website and gallery recognition

  • Two preview tickets and four opening night tickets

  • Two individual memberships

  • One exhibition catalogue

  • Curator or director-led exhibition walkthroughs

  • All core benefits

Join at Supporter level.

Patron – $5,000/year

  • Website and gallery recognition

  • Four preview tickets and eight opening night tickets

  • Five individual memberships

  • Two exhibition catalogues

  • Curator or director-hosted reception following exhibition walkthrough

  • Small-group private tours for you and your guests

  • All core benefits

Join at Patron level.

Benefactor – $10,000/year

  • Website, gallery, and catalogue recognition

  • Six preview tickets and twelve opening night tickets

  • One firm / company / gallery membership (up to ten individual memberships)

  • Five exhibition catalogues

  • Curator-led tour with private reception

  • Exclusive travel opportunities with BGC curators to New York City design destinations (two times per year)

  • Ability to host a private event in BGC’s gallery or academic building

  • Bespoke experiences tailored to your group’s interests

  • All core benefits

Join at Benefactor level.

If you should have further queries, please call us at 212.501.3072 or email us at viprsvp@bgc.bard.edu