First the MoMA, Now the Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) is raising its recommended admission price for adults to $20 from $15, making it one of the most expensive museums to visit in the world.

Now I was a little surprised by the $20 admission price at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), but the price increase did coincide with its new renovation and expansion. The MoMA also has a narrow historical focus that does not appeal to a large portion of the public.

This is in stark contrast to the Met. The historical depth of the Met collection attracts a much broader interest and plays an important role in exposing the general public to the visual arts. This sharp hike in price may make a visit to the art museum too expensive for many. I wonder if the potential loss in visitors will be justified by the increase in admission price.

Although, a museum spokesman did stress that "the fee was suggested, not obligatory." I'm not sure how clearly or directly this information is provided to museum visitors. I must admit that I have always paid the full price at the Met and was not aware that I could have paid less, as it seems many do not. Back when I was a poor student this information would have been very useful.