Membership FAQ

How long does my Newfields membership last? How do you determine my expiration date?

Your membership is active for twelve months. It is valid through the last day of the month one year after you purchased it. For example, if you purchase a membership on January 3, 2026, your membership is valid through January 31, 2027.

How can I join as a new Member? How do I renew my membership?

There are three easy ways you can become a Newfields member or renew your membership:

Online: Click “Support” at the top of the website. From the drop-down options, select “Join & Renew.” Select your membership level to add it to your cart and proceed with checkout.

In-Person: You can purchase a membership at the Info Desk during operating hours inside the Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion (the main entrance).

Phone: Contact the Membership Department at 317-920-2651. The Membership Department is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM. If you need assistance outside our operating hours, please contact our Guest Experience team at 317-923-1331 and select Option 2.

Mail: Checks can be made out to Newfields Inc., and then mailed to Attn: Membership Department; 4000 Michigan Rd; Indianapolis, IN 46208. Please write "Membership" in the memo line of the check.

Can I purchase a Newfields Membership as a gift for someone else? How?

Yes, you can purchase a membership as a gift online, in-person, or over the phone. Please make sure you have a valid email address for the person receiving the gift membership before making the purchase. Gift memberships become effective immediately upon purchase and a change to the membership start date is not permitted.

Online: Click “Support” at the top of the website. From the drop-down options, select “Join & Renew.” Choose a membership level and select “Give as a Gift." On the next screen, verify that you have selected the correct membership level and click “Give as a Gift” again.

On the “Billing” screen, you’ll enter your information under the “Billing Info" section. Make sure the box “Make this a gift” is checked. Then enter the gift recipient's information under the “Recipient Info” section.

If you’d like the gift recipient to receive an immediate email notification, please click “Notify Recipient Immediately." If you’d rather the gift recipient receive notification later, leave the box unchecked. You can forward the email confirmation to them whenever you’re ready to share. 

When can I start using my membership?

Your membership is activated immediately upon purchase and you can start using your membership as soon as your payment has been processed. You should receive a confirmation email from Newfields with a copy of your receipt and a link to access your new digital membership card. You can show this card to the Guest Experience team and they will get you a ticket for your visit. Or, you can reserve tickets online in advance by signing into your membership account. The first time you sign in, enter the email address you used when purchasing your membership then click “Reset Password." You should then receive an email to finalize your account.

What happens if I renew my membership early?

If you renew early, your membership will be extended an additional 12 months from its current expiration date. Please note that early renewals at a lower membership level will override your existing membership benefits.

How can I upgrade to a different membership level?

If you would like to upgrade your membership to a higher level before your membership expires, please call the Membership Department at 317-920-2651 or visit the Info Desk.

Who can use my membership?

Memberships are not transferable. Only the primary and secondary members on the account can use the membership. Please note that only two adults can be named per membership account.

If you are a caregiver, please check in at the Info Desk by providing either the primary or secondary Members’ names on the account. If you are listed on the account, you and all children 17 and under will be able to visit.

If you have a Newfields 4 + Kids membership or higher, your membership covers two named adults and two adult guests. One of the named Members on the account must be present to use the membership and for guests to receive member benefits.

How can I add or change the co-member on my membership account?

If you have a Newfields 1 or a Newfields 1 + Kids membership, you cannot add a co-Member.

If you have a Newfields 2 or above, you can add or change the co-Member on your account by contacting Membership. Only two adults can be named per membership account. If there are two listed adults on the account, your digital and/or physical membership card will show both of those names.

Changes to the co-Member on the membership account can only be made once per membership cycle (the 12-month period that your membership is active).

How do I add my children and/or grandchildren to my membership account?

Only two adults can be named per membership account. If you have a Newfields 1 + Kids, Newfields 2 + Kids, or a Newfields 4 + Kids membership, all children and grandchildren ages 17 or younger are included on your membership, but children cannot be named or added to the account.

What if I am a single parent and want to purchase a membership?

We recommend a Newfields 1 + Kids membership. It’s only $80 for the year to get membership benefits for one adult and all children and grandchildren ages 17 or younger. Plus, you can add a caregiver to the account.

How do I add a caregiver to my account?

If you have a Newfields 1 + Kids or a Newfields 2 + Kids-level or above, you can add one caregiver to your account. To do so, please contact Membership. Caregivers do not receive physical or digital membership cards. The caregiver will need to check in at the Info Desk by providing either the primary or secondary Members’ names on the account. If they are listed on the account, the caregiver and all children 17 and under will be able to visit.

I have a Newfields 2 + Kids Membership and want to visit Newfields with my significant other, children, and our family’s caregiver. Do we all get free General Admission?

The Newfields 2 + Kids Membership covers two adults and unlimited children and grandchildren. At this membership level, you can add a caregiver to the membership account. However, if both of the named adults on the membership account are visiting Newfields, any additional adults are considered guests—even if they are listed as your designated caregiver on the account—and would need to purchase a public priced General Admission ticket.

Does my membership allow me to visit other museums?

The Newfields 4 + Reciprocal membership allows you to visit over 2,000 museums and gardens around North America for free. (We know we’re still your favorite). Donor Circle members also receive reciprocal benefits. To learn more about your reciprocal benefits, visit Reciprocal Membership Programs. We recommend you contact the institution you intend to visit to confirm what reciprocal benefits you will receive. Members at the Newfields 1; Newfields 1 + Kids; Newfields 2; Newfields 2 + Kids; and Newfields 4 + Kids levels do not qualify for reciprocal benefits at other institutions.

What are the benefits of Newfields membership?

Please review the listed membership benefits at the top of the Memberships page. Reviewing these benefits may help you decide which membership level is best for you.

Does membership include free entry to special events like Harvest Nights, Winterlights, and Art in Bloom?

For seasonal events such as Harvest Nights, Winterlights, and Art in Bloom, Members receive discounted pricing on tickets. Plus, Members get first dibs on tickets before they are released to the public. The number of member-priced tickets is dependent on the number of persons covered by your membership level.

Level of Membership = Number of Member-Priced Tickets

Newfields 1 = 1 Adult ticket

Newfields 1 + Kids = 1 Adult ticket and unlimited Youth tickets

Newfields 2 = 2 Adult tickets

Newfields 2 + Kids = 2 Adult tickets and unlimited Youth tickets

Newfields 4 + Kids = 4 Adult tickets and unlimited Youth tickets

Newfields 4 + Reciprocal = 4 Adult tickets and unlimited Youth tickets, plus reciprocal benefits to over 2,000 museums and gardens across North America

Does my membership include guest passes?

Memberships do not include guest passes. Depending on your membership level, you may be able to bring a guest to Newfields at the discounted member price.

Can I use my membership to bring a guest?

Unless you are a Newfields 1, Newfields 1 + Kids, or Student-level member, you can name up to two adults on your membership account. One of the named Members must be present to use the membership. If your co-Member isn’t visiting Newfields, you can bring a different guest in their place. Similarly, if you are not visiting, your co-Member can bring a different guest in your place. At the Newfields 4 + Kids-level and above, you can bring two more adult friends or family members—that’s four adults total each visit.

Do Members receive discounts on merchandise?

Yes, Members receive a *10% discount in The Museum & Garden Shop and on food and non-alcoholic beverages in The Café and The Beer Garden at Garden Terrace. Proof of membership is required. If you do not have a current membership card, please contact Membership or visit the Info Desk. We can re-send your confirmation email with your digital membership card to you.

*Some exclusions may apply (for example, red-lined items and alcohol)

Do you have any special events just for Members?

Yes! We typically have 3-5 different Members-only events and programs per month such as workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, educational lectures, and special Members-only hours. The month of August is always Member Appreciation Month, meaning more Members-only programs and perks like Double Discount Week in The Museum & Garden Shop.

To see what exciting opportunities we have planned for our Members, please visit Member Events and Programs.

Are there any blackout dates during the year where there may be an additional cost for Members?

Generally, memberships are valid throughout the year during regular operating hours. However, General Admission may be unavailable on certain dates when seasonal events are taking place, like Art in Bloom. On these rare occasions, a discounted ticket is required for Members to visit.

Is my Newfields Membership purchase tax-deductible?

Newfields is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, EIN 35-0867955. The cost of membership at Newfields is fully deductible to the extent allowed by law. Your confirmation email serves as proof of your charitable contribution. The IRS requires additional proof for any contribution of $250 or more in cash or $500 or more in non-cash items. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

Does my membership include a membership card? If so, how many?

All memberships include a digital membership card that will be sent to your email on the same day the membership is processed. If you have a co-Member, you can forward it to them so they download it. If you need to add a co-Member or you’re unable to find your digital card in your email, please contact the Membership Department or visit the Info Desk.

You can purchase a physical membership card for $10 per membership account. Physical membership cards should arrive within 1-2 weeks.

For Newfields 2 Members and above, two physical membership cards are included if two named adults are on the membership account.

If you have a Newfields 4 + Reciprocal or Donor level membership, you do not need to purchase a physical card. Physical membership cards are automatically included.

Can I visit if I don't have my card yet?

Once you have purchased your membership, you can visit Newfields at any time. We recommend that all guests reserve General Admission tickets online in advance. As soon as you become a Member, you’ll have an active online account—just log in with the email address you provided when you signed up. If you’re making a spur-of-the-moment visit, you can also give your first and last names when you check in at the Info Desk and our friendly Guest Experience Associates will look you up. Please be advised that on some days, especially First Thursdays and other free days, tickets may be unavailable due to demand and capacity restrictions.

How do I download my digital membership card?

On your smart phone, open the order confirmation sent to the email address connected to your membership. Find the Membership section and click “View Digital Membership.” A new tab will open.

iPhone:

iPhone users will not need to install any apps as the Wallet app is automatically installed on your device. Click ‘Add to Apple Wallet.” Your digital membership card is now downloaded to your phone. To access your card any time, simply click on your Wallet App icon on your phone to open your digital card. When you arrive at Newfields, one of our Guest Experience Associates will scan the QR code on your card and you’ll be ready to begin your adventure.

Android:

If you do not have the Google Wallet app, please download that app first from the Google Play Store. Once the app is downloaded, go back to your digital card and click “Add to Google Wallet.” Your digital membership card is now downloaded to your phone. To access your card any time, simply click on the Wallet app icon on your phone to open your digital card. When you arrive at Newfields, one of our Guest Experience Associates will scan the QR code on your card and you’ll be ready to begin your adventure.

If you have any trouble downloading your digital membership card, please email membership@discovernewfields.org.

How do I use my membership card at other museums and gardens?

If you have a Newfields 4 + Reciprocal membership, your card will have all the reciprocal institutions that Newfields is a part of. Show your card at the check-in desk of any of the more than 2,000 reciprocal institutions to unlock your reciprocal benefits.

How do I replace a lost or damaged membership card?

As a courtesy, Membership will provide you with a replacement physical membership card once per membership cycle (the 12-month period that your membership is active) free of charge. If your lost or damaged membership card was expired, you will need to purchase a replacement physical membership card for $10.

Why did I only receive one physical membership card?

For Newfields 2 Members and above, two physical membership cards are included if two named adults are on the membership account. If you only received one card, you do not have a co-Member listed on your account.

If you have a Newfields 1 or a Newfields 1 + Kids Membership, you cannot add a co-Member since these membership levels only cover one named adult. Because of this, only one physical membership card is included with your $10 membership card fee.

How do I log into my membership account?

Navigate to "Member Login" at the top of the homepage to locate the My Account page. If you’re logging into your account for the first time or don’t remember your password, enter the email address you used when purchasing your membership and then click “Reset Password”. You should then receive an email about setting up your password and finalizing your membership account. If you do not receive the email, please contact Membership for assistance.

How do I update or edit my account information?

Once you are logged into your account, click on your first name in the top right corner of the screen. Click on “My Account” in the drop-down menu. Under the “Account Profile” section, click the pencil icon located in the upper right-hand corner to edit your information.

Under the “Sign-In Info” section, you can change your password. Please note that changes to your email address cannot be made here. If you need to change your email address or need assistance updating any of your account info, please contact Membership.

I’m having trouble accessing my membership account. What should I do?

Please contact Membership for assistance.

How can I find Member-Only events and programs on the website?

Please visit the Member Events and Programs page to see what exciting opportunities we have planned.

Can I apply the cost of my General Admission visit toward a membership?

Yes! You can apply the cost of your General Admission tickets toward a membership within 48 hours of your visit at the Info Desk or by calling Membership at 317-920-2651.

Please note that a fixed number of General Admission tickets can be applied toward the cost of membership. The fixed number is determined by the number of free General Admission tickets that the level of membership you are purchasing would cover.

For example, if you purchased one Adult General Admission ticket, you can apply that ticket toward a Newfields 1 membership. But if you purchased three Adult General Admission tickets, only one of those tickets can be applied toward the purchase of a Newfields 1 since this membership level only covers one Adult. Similarly, if you purchased four Adult General Admission tickets, you can apply those tickets toward a Newfields 4 + Kids membership.

How do I make a correction to my online order or to my membership in general?

For corrections to your order or to make changes to your membership, please contact Membership at 317-920-2651. Purchased the wrong membership level or decided you want a higher membership level instead? We can process a membership upgrade for you over the phone, too.

How often should I expect to receive mail from Newfields?

Most of our updates will arrive via email. Every Monday, Members will receive our Member Monday email with important updates and events happening over the next few weeks. Twice a year, we will mail a calendar of upcoming events that covers a 4–6-month window. Members can also expect to get a renewal notice in the mail if they do not renew before their expiration date.

I am no longer receiving the Member Monday emails. How do I fix this?

Please contact Membership at membership@discovernewfields.org so we can check your email subscription settings and get you back on our email list.

I received the Member Benefits Guide in the mail. I want to register for a Members-Only event, but I can’t find it on the website. How do I sign up?

If you are unable to locate the event you’re interested in, that event has not opened for registration yet. As noted on our Member Benefits Guide, event registration opens about one month prior to the scheduled event date. Please keep an eye out for the Member Monday email so you know when registration opens. You can also visit the Member Events and Programs page for up-to-date information.

If the event is scheduled to happen in a month or less, please contact Membership for assistance with registration.

I already renewed my membership, but I just received a renewal notice from Newfields. Did you not receive my renewal?

If you recently renewed your membership, please disregard any renewal notice that follows. While we strive to process membership renewals as quickly as possible, there is a chance that you will receive a renewal notice before we have updated our records.

What if I have a change of address or phone number?

You can change your address and phone number online by signing into your membership account. Once you are logged into your account, click on your first name in the top right corner of the screen. Click on “MY ACCOUNT” on the drop-down menu. Under the “Account Profile” section, click the pencil icon located in the upper right-hand corner to edit your information. For any other information updates, please contact Membership.

Is there a way to put multiple mailing addresses and/or emails on my account?

To make sure we have correct information on your account, there can only be one mailing address and email address per membership.

Do you offer any discounts on Newfields memberships?

Teachers, first responders, and active or retired military personnel are eligible for a 10% discount on all levels of membership. To apply for the discount, please call the Membership Department at 317-920-2651 or visit the Info Desk at Newfields.

We do not offer senior citizen discounts on memberships.

Do you have student memberships?

Indiana college students get a free membership to Newfields. To be eligible for a free college membership, students must be enrolled in a college, university, or trade school in Indiana and earning a degree or certificate. Student membership benefits are equivalent to the Newfields 1 membership level.

Online: Fill out the enrollment form here. The Newfields Membership Department will process the request in 1-3 business days. Please note that electronically submitted enrollment forms are only processed Monday-Friday.

In-person: Stop by the Info Desk and a Guest Experience Associate will help you register. Please have your student ID ready.

Memberships are non-refundable and are not transferable.

Memberships are immediately active upon purchase.

Pricing and Benefits: Membership pricing and benefits are effective as of October 1, 2024. Newfields reserves the right to alter member benefits, pricing, and levels.

Member Privacy: The privacy of our members is important to us. Newfields does NOT share, sell, or trade your name, address, phone number, email address, or donation history with any person or business.

Right to Revoke: Newfields is a non-profit organization committed to providing high-quality service and ensuring everyone has an exceptional experience during their visit. If we find that a member does not abide by our policies or is disrespectful to others, then we reserve the right to revoke their membership without refund.