A part of a strategic plan for our new building we are looking at
general trends in  admisson pricing structures. Specifically  I  have
found evidence of a few trends and am looking for additional examples of
institutions that are applying each. Please help if you can. Also,
please feel free to add additional observations. 

  ADMISSIONS TRENDS:

Overall Museum Attendance is up, but there have been 1500 new Museums
built in the last few years in the the US making 9 out of 10
institutions see a drop in attendance.  Smaller Museums remain
competitive by having a n interesting niche and a good location.

1) REDUCTION OF ADMISSIONS:
European and domestic institutions that are heavily funded by public
funds have been lowering their admissions fees to maximize visitor
numbers and public education value.  Also small cities (i.e. Baltimore,
Cincinnati) that are looking to increase tourism are giving additional
municipal funds so that their Museums can afford to be free and help
drive the overall tourist dollars to the city.  Some municipalities also
mandate that local area residents get a reduced rate as a stipulation of
their support.

2) Museums ala carte
Charging additional entrance fees for special and temporary exhibits and
programs on top of entrance top topermanent collections to take
advantage of "Blockbuster"shows and added attendance to programmed
events while keeping the core galleries accessible to the largest
possible audience.

3) Increasing the walk-in price for all visitors thus making the
institution more in line with other recreational activities and
membership a better value.  This is also the case in Asia where most
museums are privately owned are less concerned with the public use of
the institution.

4) Rewards programs or reduced rates for local visitors and/or frequent
visitors.

Thanks,
Jennifer Heslin
Director of Retail and Institutional Sales
New Museum of Contemporary Art
210 11th Avenue - 2nd Floor
NYC, NY 10001
T 212.219.1222 x224
F 212.431.5328
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