Bard Graduate Center is devoted to the study of decorative arts, design history, and material culture through research, advanced degrees, exhibitions, publications, and events.

Bard Graduate Center advances the study of decorative arts, design history, and material culture through its object-centered approach to teaching, research, exhibitions, publications, and events.

At BGC, we study the human past and present through their material expressions. We focus on objects and other material forms—from those valued for their aesthetic elements to the ordinary things used in everyday life.

Our accomplished interdisciplinary faculty inspires and prepares students in our MA and PhD programs for successful careers in academia, museums, and the private sector. We bring equal intellectual rigor to our acclaimed exhibitions, award-winning catalogues and scholarly publications, and innovative public programs, and we view all of these integrated elements as vital to our curriculum.

BGC’s campus comprises a state-of-the-art academic programs building at 38 West 86th Street, a gallery at 18 West 86th Street, and a residence hall at 410 West 58th Street. A new collection study center will open at 8 West 86th Street in 2026.

Founded by Dr. Susan Weber in 1993, Bard Graduate Center has become the preeminent institute for academic research and exhibition of decorative arts, design history, and material culture. BGC is an accredited unit of Bard College and a member of the Association of Research Institutes in Art History (ARIAH).

Collaboration underlies everything we do here at Bard Graduate Center. Not only is it essential to the process of the artists and craftspeople behind every object we study, but there is a deep collaborative relationship between our students, faculty, curators, and scholars.

As a lover of objects and an appreciator of the varied programs and activities at Bard Graduate Center, we invite you to join our discussions, share our scholarship, and explore the wide world of material culture with us by joining the Members Circle. You’ll receive invitations to openings, copies of scholarly publications, early access to select public programs, and many opportunities for learning and exploring. To join, please visit us here. Your support strengthens our programs and ensures the ongoing success of the institution.

Levels and Benefits

$75 Level

Basic Member Benefits:

Free admission for you and a guest to the BGC Gallery
Invitation to Community Openings and member receptions
Advance announcements and/or discounts for select programs and gallery talks
10% discount on gift items and books
Recognition in the Year in Review

Membership fees are fully-tax deductible.

$250 Level

All Basic Member Benefits plus the following:

Special membership gift
Two issues of West 86th, BGC’s Journal of Decorative Arts

The value of benefits at the $250 level is $50

$500 Level

All Basic Member Benefits plus the following:

Special membership gift and a current Focus Project catalog
Two issues of West 86th, BGC’s Journal of Decorative Arts

The value of benefits at the $500 level is $80

$1,000 Level

All Basic Member Benefits plus the following:

Special membership gift and a current exhibition catalog of your choice
Two issues of West 86th, BGC’s Journal of Decorative Arts
Invitation to VIP receptions

The value of benefits at the $1000 level is $125

If you should have further queries, please feel free to call 212.501.3071 or email us at membership@bgc.bard.edu