New Membership Program FAQ - Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

What is Winterthur’s new membership program?

Our new streamlined membership program has all the great benefits our Members know and love plus new flexible visiting options to fit each Member’s unique needs. Memberships can be shared between people living in different households and any named Member can bring guests to Winterthur as long as the number of adults and children doesn’t exceed the limit of daily admissions based on your membership level. You may also use a guest pass.

When does the new membership program begin?

July 1, 2025

I am a current Member. What happens to my membership on July 1?

All current Members will retain their membership status with the new program. Your current membership level will switch to the closest corresponding level in the new program at no additional cost, with the expiration date remaining the same. When renewing, you will need to renew at a level in the new program.

Why did the program change? How did you decide on the changes?

We are always striving to better the Winterthur experience for Members. In response to Member feedback, we are evolving our Member program to provide you with more flexibility.

What is new?

All of the benefits you love will continue. The new feature of our membership program is the ability to bring a guest at any time at the Winterthur 2 and up level. These levels allow the corresponding number of people to visit on the membership as long as 1 named cardholder is present.

What will the new levels be?

Winterthur 1: for one person
Winterthur 2: for two people
Winterthur 2 plus kids: for two people and up to four additional children under the age of 18
Winterthur 3: for three people and up to four additional children under the age of 18
Winterthur 4: for four people and up to four additional children under the age of 18

Winterthur 2 and up may have up to 2 named cardholders. One cardholder must be present.

I am a current Member, what will be my new level be?

Young Adult and Individual Members—Winterthur 1 Members
Dual Members—Winterthur 2 Members
Family Members—Winterthur 2 plus kids Members
Contributor Members—Winterthur 3 Members
Family Plus Members—Winterthur 4 Members

Your membership number and expiration date remain the same.

What if I would like to upgrade to a different level?

You may upgrade your membership online, over the phone, or on-site.

If you wish to upgrade within the first six months of your membership:

You will be asked to pay the difference between your current level and the level you wish to upgrade to. You will receive all of the benefits of the membership level you have upgraded to and your expiration date will remain the same.

If you wish to upgrade after the first six months of your membership:

You will be asked to pay the full price of the upgraded membership. The upgraded membership will start on the date of the upgrade purchase, and we will extend your Membership a full year from that expiration date.

What if I have children?

A child can be the second guest on the Winterthur 2 level. If you need to accommodate additional children, the Winterthur 2 + kids and above levels all include up to 4 additional children along with the additional Member cards.

I am a current Member; will I receive cards with my new level after July 1?

New membership cards for the updated program will not be automatically distributed. Your current membership card and Member number will continue to give you access to the estate and your other benefits. Your membership card will be updated either a) when you renew or upgrade after July 1 or b) on your next visit, by request.

Will my membership level as a Patron, Benefactor, or Friend of Winterthur change?

Along with the pride of supporting Winterthur, our Patron, Benefactor and Friends of Winterthur memberships will retain all the current benefits plus will receive the flexibility granted at the Winterthur 4 level.

Will my benefits change?

No, Winterthur 2 and above level Members may have up to 2 named cardholders. One cardholder must be present. Our Patron, Benefactor, and Friends of Winterthur memberships will retain all the benefits plus will inherit the guest flexibility granted at the Winterthur 4 level.

Do I have to have a secondary cardholder?

Winterthur 2 and above may have up to two cardholders. Full membership benefits apply only to named cardholders. If your membership includes a secondary cardholder, we strongly recommend that you name a second cardholder to take advantage of all the benefits of the level of membership you selected, such as discounts in the store and café, special event invitations, and most notably, the ability to bring a guest at the Winterthur 2 and above level.

For example, if Henry and Ruth are both named on the Winterthur 2 Membership, the following visiting scenarios* apply:

Ruth can visit with one friend, family member, or child.
Henry can visit with one friend, family member, or child.
Ruth and Henry can visit together.

If Henry and Ruth are both named on a Winterthur 2 plus kids membership,

Ruth can visit with one friend, family member, and up to four children.
Henry can visit with one friend, family member, and up to four children.
Ruth and Henry can visit together and bring up to four children.

*These scenarios do not account for any single-use digital guest passes a Member may have.

Will I receive guest passes?

In addition to the flexible guest options, all Members will receive single-use digital guest passes that are linked to their membership account, although the number of passes varies with each membership level. Members at the Winterthur 2 level and above can bring a guest at any time depending on the selected level.