Baltimore Museum of Art Launches Digital Membership with Cuseum

A Smart Shift Starts in Baltimore

The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) has launched its digital membership program through a new partnership with Cuseum. 

The initiative upgrades how the museum engages with its member community by offering a faster, more direct, and environmentally conscious experience. As museums nationwide modernize their operations, BMA joins peers like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium, and the University of Michigan in adopting digital tools that improve both access and impact.

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One Hundred Years of Bold Moves+

Since its founding in 1914, the Baltimore Museum of Art has maintained a reputation for cultural leadership. Home to more than ninety-five thousand works of art, including the world’s largest collection of Henri Matisse, the museum draws over two hundred thousand visitors annually. With galleries dedicated to global collections—ranging from African and Asian art to contemporary commissions—the BMA has consistently redefined what it means to be a public museum. 

The institution has also made national headlines for its bold commitments to equity in acquisitions, free general admission, and its reinvestment in local artists and communities. Its historic building, designed by John Russell Pope, has undergone multiple expansions and renovations to support this evolving mission. In every decade of its operation, BMA has taken strategic steps that anticipate the needs of its audience and the expectations of its time.

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Membership That Lives on Your Phone

The Baltimore Museum of Art has introduced Digital Memberships through Cuseum, bringing a faster, more practical way for members to access their benefits. Instead of waiting for plastic cards to arrive by mail—or worrying about losing them—members now receive a digital card that lives on their smartphones.

This mobile-first format keeps membership details easily accessible. Members can view their status, see upcoming exhibitions, and receive renewal reminders directly through their digital wallet. With instant delivery, there’s no gap between joining and using benefits.

The shift also simplifies daily operations for museum staff. Eliminating physical cards reduces printing and postage costs, cuts down on replacement requests, and frees up time for more public-facing work. With Cuseum’s platform, the museum can manage memberships more efficiently—without sacrificing quality or connection.

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Why It’s More Than a Technical Update

Going digital reflects the BMA’s long-term commitment to sustainability and accessibility. For years, the museum has invested in environmental initiatives, from its exhibitions to capital improvements. Digital Membership now brings that same ethic to its membership program by cutting out paper, plastic, and unnecessary mailing.

More than convenience, this move expands access. Digital cards provide a low-barrier, always-available way for members to stay informed and engaged—whether they’re planning a visit or renewing their support.

By adopting a mobile-first approach, BMA isn’t just updating how members receive their cards. It’s strengthening the relationship between institution and community—one that extends beyond the gallery walls and into the everyday lives of its supporters.

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Ready to Rethink Your Membership Model?

Cultural institutions face mounting pressure to deliver more value while managing tighter resources. Digital Membership meets that challenge directly. For the Baltimore Museum of Art, this rollout is part of a longer arc of innovation—one that puts the visitor experience, staff capacity, and environmental responsibility on equal footing. 

If your institution is ready to bring membership into the mobile age while cutting costs and improving retention, book a demo with Cuseum today.

Cuseum Recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000 List

Cuseum Recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000 List

BOSTON, August 13, 2024 (Newswire.com) - Inc. revealed today that Cuseum is recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, Patagonia, and many other household-name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by Inc. as one of America's fastest growing companies," said Brendan Ciecko, founder and CEO of Cuseum. "The industries we serve are undergoing significant changes especially around the adoption of new technologies to fulfill and further their missions. Our team has embraced this moment, enabling our customers to better serve their audiences with innovative and purpose-built solutions. The continued growth of Cuseum is a testament to the hard work of our team and the shared commitment of our customers to providing world-class experiences to everyone they serve and engage with.”

The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,637 percent.

For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. All 5000 companies are featured on Inc.com starting Tuesday, August 13, 2024, and the top 500 appear in the new issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Founded in 2014 by Brendan Ciecko, a 2008 Inc. 30 Under 30 honoree, Cuseum helps cultural attractions, non-profit organizations, and associations better engage their members, guests, and patrons. Cuseum’s award-winning software is used by over 500 customers to serve millions of members and visitors around the world.

Contact:
press@cuseum.com

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 

Methodology 
Companies on the 2024 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2023. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2023 is $2 million. 

About Inc. 
Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work achieves a monthly brand footprint of more than 40 million across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since its launch as the Inc. 100 in 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About Cuseum
Cuseum helps organizations drive visitor, member, and patron engagement using digital tools. Cuseum's software platform makes it easy for museums, attractions, and nonprofits to publish mobile apps, generate digital membership cards, and leverage data insights. Headquartered in Boston, the company is backed by leading investors including Techstars. For more information visit www.cuseum.com.

Top 4 Loyalty Program Examples for Cultural Institutions

Did you know that over 90% of companies (Accenture) have some form of loyalty program? And it's no wonder: a 5% increase in customer retention produces more than a 25% increase in profit. (Bain & Company)

For cultural institutions like museums, zoos, and historic houses, the stakes are even higher. It's not just selling products: it's about offering experiences and a connection to history, art, nature, and beyond. So, why not turn that fleeting visitor love into a long-lasting relationship?

The good news is that loyalty programs exist, and they're not exclusive to retail giants; they come in various shapes and sizes, each responding to a specific market need and highly customizable to your specific audience.

Let’s review the four main categories, what some best practices are when implementing a loyalty program, and insightful customer loyalty examples from diverse industries that can help your brand enhance customer loyalty and drive revenue! Let’s begin.

Loyalty Program Examples and Types

1. Points Programs

Points programs are simple and effective. They’re designed to reward repeat visits and engagements. Visitors earn points for activities, which can be redeemed for all kinds of rewards. The best part? These programs cater to what most customers want.

⭐Best Practice: Set reachable rewards

The easiest way to bore your clients is by setting unattainable goals. High targets are great for long-term efforts. Just make sure numerous smaller, more attainable rewards guide them along the way.

Loyalty program example #1: Starbucks Rewards

Coffee is a morning staple around the world, but now, thanks to Starbucks, it is possible to turn coffee money into points that can be converted into more coffee. 

This system provides a convenient and easy way for customers to earn rewards while allowing Starbucks to collect valuable data on customer preferences. By analyzing this information, from favorite drinks to seasonal trends, Starbucks can tailor its rewards to match customer habits better.

2. Tier Programs

Tier programs elevate loyalty to new heights. They offer progressively better rewards as visitors move up the ranks, creating a sense of prestige and exclusivity. It’s about making visitors feel special, valued, and part of an elite club.

⭐Best Practice: Explore New Possibilities!

Let creativity guide the next set of rewards that stand out in the industry. Take advantage of the gathered data your memberships offer and give people new reasons to become advocates, supporters, and friends of your business.

Loyalty program example #2: Uber Rewards

Uber has excelled in dominating the ridesharing market: cars, food, boats, and even helicopters. As an Uber Rewards member, you accumulate points for every eligible dollar spent on rides and Uber Eats orders. Accumulating more points elevates your membership level, unlocking additional rewards and benefits.

3. Paid Programs

Paid loyalty programs take a different approach. Members pay a fee for enhanced benefits, generating immediate revenue and ensuring a committed base of loyal supporters. It’s a win-win: institutions get financial support, and members receive premium experiences.

⭐Best Practice: Avoid Spam at all Costs.

One of the top reasons people opt out of programs and subscriptions is feeling overwhelmed with information. Taking care of your audience has many shapes, but an avalanche of messages is not one of them.

Loyalty program example #3: Top Cultural Institutions Across the World!

Brown Cathedral at the Natural History Museum, London by Claudio Testa

This is the most popular brand loyalty example out there for museums, zoos, aquariums, landmarks, and similar organizations. These programs offer premium benefits both within and beyond the museum's facilities. Members can enjoy exclusive discounts, free entries to special events, and complimentary passes for activities such as films or guided tours.

Donors are organized in raking systems according to the cost of each membership; this is not to be confused with the customer program example from above because these rankings are not cumulable like tier programs intend.

4. Value-based Programs

Value-based programs align with visitors' values and support the institution's mission. They often involve donations toward charities or welfare programs for minorities. They strengthen the emotional connection between visitors not by rewarding them directly but by benefiting society, turning casual visitors into passionate advocates.

⭐Best Practice: Promote Your Loyalty Program

Stay on top of communications –not just emails or push notifications. Use real-life channels to let people know how your institution is helping the world become a better place: put stickers or QR codes on location and train your staff to share the news with visitors and be enthusiastic about it.

Loyalty program example #4: Philadelphia Museum of Art & Children’s Museum in Indianapolis

Philadelphia Museum of Art. Source: Daniel Bernard

In Philadelphia, the museum partnered with the Fleisher Art Memorial to offer members discounts on classes and workshops. This partnership aligns with Fleisher’s mission to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of economic means, background, or artistic experience. It's a value-driven approach that resonates deeply with members.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers free memberships to Indiana Foster Families through a partnership with the Department of Child Services. This initiative supports foster families and ensures that all children have access to educational adventures, fostering a sense of inclusivity and community.

The Bestest Practice 🌟

According to the Loyalty One Report, 56% of customers want loyalty programs that are easy to use, 50% that offer relevant rewards, and 43% that are trustworthy. To ensure your brand loyalty program checks all your customers’ boxes, read the Member Motivations Study™, a comprehensive guide developed by FIVESEED in collaboration with Cuseum.

The findings shed light on the diverse reasons people join membership programs. They aim to inspire new and more meaningful ways of thinking about relationship-building based on personal preferences, leveraging the power of data and all the new digital solutions we have at hand.

The Bigger Picture: Transforming Love into Loyalty

“Tribute to Woman of the World” Mosaic on Pachuca de Soto, Mexico by Héctor Achautla

These loyalty program examples in cultural institutions show how they can be much more than just a collection of perks and discounts. They enhance the creation of meaningful connections, foster community, and enhance the visitor experience.

So, it’s time to open up to the endless opportunities points, tiers, paid memberships, or value-driven programs offer for community growth and engagement. Take these customer loyalty examples and feel encouraged to transform occasional visitors into committed, passionate members who feel valued and appreciated.

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After navigating all the brand loyalty examples and best practices, are you ready to turn visitor love into long-lasting membership? Cuseum has got you! Our mission is to help you foster an engaged and supportive visitor community through tech solutions.

Here's how:

1. Powerful Insights: Understand your most digitally active users and explore member behavior and activity.

2. White Label: Our adaptable platform prioritizes your brand, ensuring a sleek, uncluttered interface that keeps you front and center.

3. Quick Set-up: Get started effortlessly. There is no need for third-party apps, lengthy procedures, custom development, or anything else.

Learn what your organization can achieve with Cuseum’s Loyalty & Rewards solutions.

Feel inspired yet? Our team is ready to talk about how to transform your visitors’ love into loyalty. Request a demo now.