As with most issues where money concerned, charging for exhibits can be a double-edged sword. The admission price may help the museum pay for the cost of the exhibition; however, if the museum is truly dedicated to its mission of bringing art to the community, it will need to spend more money on education and outreach, to be sure that it has properly included those who can't afford exorbitant admission prices.
I was at the Getty recently, and while that is a museum with more obvious financial support than most, I greatly enjoyed being able to appreciate the collection and special exhibitions without having to pay any admission (believe me, I more than made up for it by spending up a storm in their bookstores!). A low or non-existent admission encourages visitors to come back
more often, thus increasing the patron count and the retail sales. Most visitors probably won't be able to afford several visits to an exhibition if the admission price is high.
It would be interesting to compare the amount of private support received by museums that don't charge admission versus museums that do. Has a study like this ever been conducted?
-----Original Message-----
From: Les Reker [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 10:31 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Admission fees for special exhibits
The Columbus Museum, which features both American art and regional history,
will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. We have never charged a
general admission nor do we charge for entry into the special exhibitions.
Each changing exhibit (and some of them are quite expensive) is fully funded
by a sponsor.
Les Reker
Director of Collections & Exhibitions
THE COLUMBUS MUSEUM
1251 Wynnton Road
Columbus, GA 31906
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Fiona Adams
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 1:23 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Admission fees for special exhibits
Really? Curious. I suppose I spoke too soon. I guess I've just been lucky
when visiting. Thanks for letting me know.
Are there any museums free of this "extra charging for exhibits" practice? I
thought I had found one, but alas, I have not.
Fiona Adams
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Tarn Cheon
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:36 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Admission fees for special exhibits
Interesting, I've always paid at least $10 for special exhibits at the
Portland Art Museum.
This museum could also have played a role in the "We are too busy and
important to courteously notify job applicants when they have not been
chosen for an interview" thread. Just saying...I'm not bitter or anything.
Ahem.
-----Original Message-----
From: Fiona Adams [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:32 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Admission fees for special exhibits
Hi Jason.
I have had a similar experience at 2 different museums. Although I really
cherish the following museums, I have been frustrated with their pricing
rules. The Bower's Museum, in Southern California, frequently has a special
exhibit for which you pay $20 + in addition to the regular admission price.
At the British Museum in London, admission is free, although a donation is
encouraged, but you must pay more money to see special exhibits.
I don't always have the extra money to shell out to see the special exhibits
and I find it quite discouraging when museums use this method.
However, there are also other wonderful museums that don't charge for
special exhibits, such as the Portland Art Museum, in Oregon. I think they
are quite successful in their practices.
Fiona Adams
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Aikens, Jason
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:05 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Admission fees for special exhibits
To All:
Recently I visited a non-profit museum which was currently having a special
exhibit. I would not like to mention the specific name of the museum or the
exhibit. The museum had a regular admission price of around $8 and charged
an additional $8 to see their new special exhibit. The museum also required
that if anyone wanted to see the special exhibit, they must also pay for
regular admission to the museum. I was offended by the price gauging of
this institution.
I was wondering if it anyone out there had any other similar experiences
like this at another non-profit museum. Is it common for museums to charge
additional fees to see special exhibits? I can understand a dollar or two
but nearly $8 seems quite high and requiring visitors to pay for regular
admission as well as special exhibit fees seems a bit much don't you think?
Isn't this a violation of federal non-profit standards?
Jason Aikens
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