Become a Benefactor

Get closer to the Horniman and support our work by becoming a Benefactor, and enjoy a rewarding and unique relationship with us.

The Benefactor circle is for people who love and care about the future of the Horniman, hailed as one of the world’s coolest museums.

As part of this special group you enjoy invitations to unique events, out of hours viewings and behind the scenes experiences as well as unlimited entry to our exhibitions and a discount in our shop.

Make a difference

As a Benefactor you are helping to ensure the Horniman continues offering:

  • interactive exhibitions and engaging events throughout the year;
  • learning and engagement programmes that support schools and community groups across the country;
  • conservation and care of over 350,000 objects;
  • a unique collection of handling objects to inspire and educate.

The Benefactor circle is a rewarding and fun way to support the Horniman and make a difference to people’s lives. 

Your gift of £240 could pay for us to acquire a new object into our handling collection, at the heart of our learning programme.

£500 could fund specialist conservation cleaning of our beloved walrus.

£1,500 could fund the planting and care of a new tree in our Gardens.

£5,000 could fund the special early morning quiet openings and music workshops we run for families with disabled and neuro-diverse children.

Join online below, or request a paper form to be sent to you by emailing benefactors@horniman.ac.uk

Benefits

As a Benefactor you will enjoy a closer relationship with our staff alongside special access to our buildings, programmes and Gardens throughout the year.

Choose the level that best suits you and enjoy the following opportunities.

  • Exclusive Benefactor card which gives you free, unlimited access to the Aquarium, Butterfly House and all exhibitions for up to two adults and three children
  • Invitations to Exhibition Private Views and behind the scenes events throughout the year and access to all Member events*
  • Regular Benefactor newsletter and mailing of the ‘What’s On’ guide – sharing all the exhibitions, events and displays coming up at the Horniman
  • Acknowledgement of your support in the Annual Report and on the Donor Board and website
  • Copy of our Annual Impact Review to learn about the charitable work your donation supports
  • 10% discount in our Gift Shop

For Gift Aid purposes, the £240 suggested donation includes a subscription of £100 and a voluntary donation of £140.

Join as a Benefactor, or see our Bronze, Silver and Gold levels below.

*Small charges apply for Members’ events for Benefactors and Bronze levels.

All of the above benefits PLUS invitations to special Benefactor receptions and tours with our senior staff and curators.

For Gift Aid purposes, the £500 suggested donation includes a subscription of £125 and a voluntary donation of £375.

Become a Bronze Benefactor

*Small charges apply for Members’ events for Benefactors and Bronze levels.

All of the above benefits PLUS festive drinks with the Chief Executive, specialist curators and senior staff, free access to all Members’ events and the opportunity to allocate your donation to a specific area of the Horniman’s work.

For Gift Aid purposes, the £1,500 suggested donation includes a subscription of £150 and a voluntary donation of £1,350.

Become a Silver Benefactor

All of the above PLUS the opportunity for one private tour each year led by a curator with up to 10 guests; and an annual lunch with the Chief Executive to discuss news and plans for the future.

For Gift Aid purposes, the £5,000 is entirely a voluntary donation.

Become a Gold Benefactor