The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced last week that it was raising suggested admission prices to $25 per adult, up from $20. Now, the catch here is “suggested.” The museum really only costs a few cents to get into, as it is entirely up to the individual to pay what he/she sees fit. (This method of “suggested” admission prices is also used by the Seattle Art Museum, among a myriad of others.)
Many reporters and industry professionals have been questioning the Met’s rationale and what this means for the future of cultural institutions. Is one of the largest and most well-known museums in America struggling? And, if the Met is struggling, what does that say about smaller institutions? At the rate that prices for everything are increasing in America, museums will soon be similar in price to a day at Disneyland or a nice dinner for two.
I don’t think these questions have easy answers. What I do think is that art institutions can only rely so heavily on corporations for sponsorship, and as everyone knows, those sponsorships are dwindling. What art institutions need are supportive communities.
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What I know is that the Kirkland community is lucky to have a number of galleries and a wealth of that is free to the public. No admission fees, suggested or required. Now it’s just up to us to visit often and to get involved.