Are museum memberships tax deductible

Yes, you may be able to deduct membership fees or dues you pay to a qualified organization. However, you can deduct only the amount that is more than the value of the benefits you receive. For additional information, see 2016 Publication 526 - IRS.gov, page 4. Publication 526 has not been updated for tax year 2017.

You can't deduct dues, fees, or assessments paid to country clubs and other social organizations. They aren't qualified organizations.

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• The IRS requires proof of all cash donations big or small: a canceled check,statement or receipt from receiving organizations suffices. 
• Write down dates , amounts and canceled check numbers, because if the IRS does an audit, they want proof of donation.
  

You can deduct your contributions only if you make them to a qualified organization. Most organizations, other than churches and governments, must apply to the IRS to become a qualified organization.

To check whether an organization can receive deductible charitable contributions, click on the IRS link to Tax Information for Private Foundations: http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Private-Foundations

[Edited 1-22-18|11:05 am PST]

I updated my answer to read, However, you can deduct only the amount that is more than the value of the benefits you receive. For additional information, see 2016 Publication 526 - IRS.gov, page 4. Publication 526 has not been updated for tax year 2017.

You can't deduct dues, fees, or assessments paid to country clubs and other social organizations. They aren't qualified organizations.