Member FAQ

How do I become a member or renew my membership?

There are four ways to join:

    • Online.
    • In person at our admissions desk Wednesday through Sunday during open hours.
    • By phone Monday through Friday during regular business hours at (510) 642-5186.
    • By mail Current members will receive renewal notices by email or mail before your membership expires. You can renew by providing your credit card information on the enclosed form or mailing a check payable to UC Regents to PO Box 4796, Berkeley, CA 94704.
What are the benefits of each membership level?

The benefits are amazing at every level! Visit our member benefits page for details on different membership levels and their benefits and tax deductibility.

Are you still offering Charter memberships?

Unfortunately we are not, our Charter membership was a one-time offer prior to our move to our downtown Berkeley home.

How long is my membership valid?

Your membership is valid for one year from your date of purchase. Please refer to the expiration date printed on your card to find out when you will need to renew your membership.

May I still visit BAMPFA if I joined or renewed my membership but did not yet receive my membership card?

Yes! Here’s how it works:

If you joined or renewed:

    • By phone, you can request to pick up temporary cards at the admission desk or have them mailed to you. Simply let us know your preference.
    • Online, show your confirmation email at the admissions desk (printed or on your mobile device).
    • On site, you received a temporary card.
    • By mail, your new card will arrive via mail in approximately two to four weeks. If you need the card prior to its arrival, please give us a call at (510) 642-5186 and verify your payment details. Once they are verified, we’ll be happy to leave temporary cards for you at the admission desk or have them mailed to you.
How long will it take for my permanent membership cards to arrive?

You will receive your membership cards in about two to four weeks. We process memberships at a higher volume during holiday season, so it may take longer during this time. Please call us at (510) 642-5186 if you have any concerns.

Will my membership number remain the same when I renew?

Yes, your membership number will remain the same but you will receive a new card with the new expiration date.

Does free gallery admission apply to my guests?

Members are allowed one guest per member card. If you hold a membership at the $90 level and above, both cardholders may bring a guest (two guests total).

Can a guest use my membership card?

No. Membership cards are not transferrable. Guests must be accompanied by the card holder for free admission. Members are allowed one guest per member card.

If you hold a membership at the $90 level and above, both cardholders may bring a guest (two guests total). Members at the $90 level and above may elect to have a “Guest of” card with their membership. Your guest may use your membership benefits when they visit BAMPFA without you if they bring this card. 

How do I update my contact information?

To update your contact information, call the Member Hotline at (510) 642-5186 or email bampfamember@berkeley.edu.

When will I receive my Program Guide in the mail?

BAMPFA's Program Guide is published four times a year shortly before the first of March, June, September, and December. Once your membership is processed, you will be added to the Program Guide subscription list and you will receive the next issue. Your subscription will last for a year and will continue as long as your membership is active. You can also see what’s on view, check film screening times, and find other information at bampfa.org.

If you are a member and are not receiving this publication, please call (510) 642-5186 or email bampfamember@berkeley.edu.

How do I receive members-only email updates?

You will receive members-only emails if you provided us with an email when you joined or renewed your membership.

If you are a member and not receiving emails, please call (510) 642-5186 or email bampfamember@berkeley.edu. To receive program updates by email, sign up at bampfa.org/subscribe.

Do BAMPFA members receive reciprocal admission privileges at other museums?

All BAMPFA members receive free reciprocal admission to select university museums across the country. For a complete list please visit our website at bampfa.org/reciprocal.

Members at the $175 level and above receive free reciprocal admission to more than 1,000 museums participating in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association and Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums programs. Visit the NARM and ROAM websites for the most updated information about participating partner organizations. 

Which institutions offer reciprocal admission to members at the $175 level and above?

Members at the $175 level and above receive free reciprocal admission to more than 1,000 museums participating in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association and Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM) programs. Visit the NARM and ROAM websites for the up-to-date information about participating partner organizations.

Where can I find a list of East Bay Discount Club partners that offer discounts to BAMPFA members?

You'll find a current list of select businesses that provide discounts and special offers to BAMPFA members here. Show your membership card to receive these great benefits.

Can I purchase film tickets for my guests at the discounted member rate?

Members at the $65 level may purchase two tickets per screening at the member rate. Those at the $90 level or above may purchase up to four per screening. Please present your membership card or a valid photo ID at the BAMPFA admission desk if purchasing in person, or at Will Call when picking up tickets purchased online.

Can I purchase film tickets by phone?

We unfortunately do not take phone orders. You may purchase film tickets online at bampfa.org/tickets or visit the BAMPFA admissions desk during open hours.

 

Do I need to create an account to purchase film tickets or renew my membership online?

Yes. If you have not yet created an online account through our ticketing system, you can do so here. If you already have an account with us but have trouble logging on, please visit our ticketing FAQ.

I want to renew my membership and have a promo code for two complimentary one-time film passes. How do I redeem this offer?

There are three ways to redeem your promo code when you renew your membership:

    • By mail: simply write the promo code on the remittance slip.
    • By phone: call (510) 642-5186 and mention the promo code at the time of your renewal.
    • In person: simply mention the promo code at the time of your renewal.
My membership comes with two free one-time film passes. When will I receive them?

If your membership offer includes one-time film passes, they will be mailed to you with your permanent cards two to four weeks after your purchase. BAMPFA admissions staff are unable to issue one-time film passes at the time of an on-site membership purchase.

How do I redeem my one-time film passes?

One-time film passes can be redeemed for tickets either in person at the admissions desk or by calling (510) 642-1412. Your name will be placed on a guest list and your ticket will be available for pickup at Will Call. Be sure to bring your one-time film pass and present it when picking up your tickets.

Please note that screenings can sell out. To ensure a ticket is available for your desired screening, we encourage members to redeem passes at least 24 hours prior to the film.

Curator’s Circle members can also reserve film tickets by calling (510) 642-1412.

May I give my one-time film or gallery passes to family or friends?

Yes, you may give your one-time passes to others. (Film and gallery passes are different from your membership card.)

One-time gallery passes can be redeemed for admission anytime BAMPFA is open to the public.

One-time film passes can be redeemed for tickets either in person at the admissions desk or by calling (510) 642-1412. Your (or your friend's) name will be placed on a guest list and a ticket will be available for pickup at Will Call. The film pass must be presented when picking up tickets.

Please note that screenings can sell out. To ensure a ticket is available for your desired screening, we encourage members to redeem one-time passes at least 24 hours prior to the film.

Curator’s Circle members can also reserve film tickets by calling (510) 642-1412.

How do I get a replacement membership card?

To request a replacement membership card, call (510) 642-5186 or email bampfamember@berkeley.edu. The first replacement is free. Subsequent replacements are $5 to cover administrative costs. If your membership will expire in two months or less we encourage you to renew to receive updated cards.

Card-replacement requests are processed monthly.

How do I purchase a gift membership?

Contact Member Services at (510) 642-5186.

Can I upgrade my membership level?

Yes! To upgrade your membership level at any time, please email Member Services at bampfamember@berkeley.edu, call (510) 642-5186 or visit our admissions desk during open hours. 

To upgrade to the Curator’s Circle, please email Suzanne Field at s_field@berkeley.edu for personalized assistance on choosing the membership level that is right for you.

Can a membership be revoked?

Yes. We ask that all members visiting BAMPFA act respectfully in all gallery exhibitions, film screenings, and public programs and treat other visitors, volunteers, and BAMPFA staff with courtesy. If a member’s behavior is deemed inappropriate by staff, they may be asked to leave. If there are multiple recorded instances of disruptive behavior, the member may be asked to not attend future events or their membership may be revoked.

I don’t see my question answered here. Who can I contact?

Please contact Member Services at bampfamember@berkeley.edu or (510) 642-5186.