Re: Academic Museum Admission Charge
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Ms. Cote:? You forgot one thing, that has already been mentioned by another museum professional.? It costs money to get money.? You have to train & pay staff to collect the money, accounting for the incoming revenue, a person to write grants, special advertising for free days and focus groups, then there is the negative?PR when you start charging admission (especially if at one time you were free), etc.? Charging an entrance fee is short sighted, and anti-community.? I know there are some states that show very little - or no support for their museums, and others where there is tremendous?support.? The task is, for those states where there is little support, it is up to the museum professional to educate the 'powers to be' about?the value of museums, both educationally and culturally.??
Jose Rivera Retired Museum Professional & Educator
Dear Erika, and AAMG museum Community,
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As you evaluate charging an admission fee, I strongly recommend this DATA supported article (and any other similar available through the American Association of Museums AAM).
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This will help dispel the idea of free admission and diversity that may cause this gut feeling.
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Spoiler alert: Free admission doesn't affect attendance much...and misunderstanding this engagement tactic may jeopardize industry sustainability. It is worth looking at this research in your decision making
process.
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Remember: you can always offer discounts and there will be plenty of grant support to special group. You may find that you will have a new fundraising opportunity in getting corporation to sponsors tickets
for certain demographics, days, or exhibitions they care about. In the end, your CEO may be pushing you in a smart financial direction.
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I hope this helps!
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Sincerely,
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V¨¦ronique C?t¨¦
Galleries Director
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University Galleries, Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Office:??561-297-2661
mobile: 215-779-4371
vcote@...
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My name is Erika Witt and I am the Director and Chief Curator of Southern University at New Orleans Museum of Art (SUNOMA).? I was approached today by someone from our Chancellor's office proposing that the museum start charging an admission
fee for the museum.? I am very hesitant about doing so as I do not want to restrict accessibility to the museum.
What are your opinions on academic museum admission fees? Does your museum charge admission?? How was the price determined?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
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