(and have more fun!)
Experience all the McClung Museum has to offer–– as a member. Most of the museum’s activities are paid for with private, not public funds, and membership provides a significant amount of those dollars, helping us keep admission free to all.
General Membership
With a museum membership, get access to exclusive benefits and connect with a community of learners just like you.
Individual – $50
- Invites to members-only opening receptions
- Discounts on ticketed events and workshops
- UT Alumni Association benefits
- Reciprocal admission to 200+ museums in the Southeast through SERM
Reciprocal – $125
- Includes the benefits above plus:
- Reciprocal access to 2,000+ museums nationwide through:
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
– North American Reciprocal Membership (NARM)
– Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM).
Contributing – $250
- Includes the benefits above plus:
- One-time private tour for you and up to three guests
Sustaining – $500
- Includes the benefits above plus:
- An invitation to one Director’s Circle Event per year
Director’s Circle
The Director’s Circle offers exclusive event access and the chance to connect with the McClung Museum on a deeper level. By joining, you become part of a passionate group of supporters dedicated to advancing the museum’s mission.
Patron – $1000-$2,499
- Includes the benefits of a sustaining membership plus:
- Access to Director’s Circle-exclusive events
- Curator-led tour for you and up to 5 guests
Benefactor $2,500-$4,999
- Includes the benefits above plus:
- Cross-departmental tour with another college or Unit at UT
- Option to attend an event with another department or UT Athletics
Grand Benefactor $5,000+
- Includes the benefits above plus:
- A feature story written by McClung Museum to be featured on social media, the newsletter, and more
If you have any questions, please contact Courtney Francis, Membership and Events Coordinator, at cfranc19@utk.edu or 865-974-2484.
*See FAQ for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Reciprocal memberships offer free or discounted admission to hundreds of participating museums and cultural institutions across the country. Your membership at the McClung gives you access to a wide network of museums to explore and enjoy. Benefits and access vary by institution, but can include free admission, discounted tickets, and/or discounts on gift shop purchases.
All museum members have access to the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM). SERM provides access and benefits for 200+ museums in the Southeast.
At the Reciprocal Membership level and above, members can access reciprocal benefits through Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), North American Reciprocal Membership (NARM), and the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM). Reciprocal benefits include, but are not limited to, free or discounted admission, gift shop discounts, and discounts on ticketed events.
Reciprocal membership benefits vary by institution. To verify reciprocal membership access, please visit the SEMC, NARM, ASTC, and ROAM websites for more information on eligible museums.
Please note: The McClung Museum’s ASTC reciprocal membership access does not begin until January 1, 2026.
With every new exhibition opening, there will be a member-exclusive opening reception with live music, hands-on activities, and tasty hors d’oeuvres. Each member will receive access to our members-only newsletter, where events will be announced on a monthly basis.
Membership events vary based on exhibitions currently on display. With each new exhibition, there will be events to test your creative skill, enrich your knowledge, and provide opportunities to engage with the McClung like never before.
All museum memberships are 100% tax deductible.
Museum memberships are managed through the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information on tax deduction, visit: https://policy.tennessee.edu/policy/fi0315-gifts/
All existing memberships will rollover to our current membership program. By January 1st, you will receive a membership card related to your new membership plan. If you previously were a member of the museum at an amount under $50, your benefits will extend through the date at which you purchased your membership. Membership renewal at rates under $50 is no longer available.