The Brooklyn Museum just sent out an email saying that they are raising the price of admission to $10 for adults and $6 for for older adults and students.
The admission is currently $8
for adults and $4 for seniors and students. Thanks to funds from a major endowment from the Wallace Foundation, Target First Saturdays will continue to be free.
This is obviously a sign that the museum, like everyone else, is suffering in these tough economic times. Even at $10, the museum is, if not a bargain, one of the cheaper admissions in the New York museum world.
Still, the increase comes at a bad time and it sure isn't great publicity for a museum that purports to be interested in diverse attendance. Understandably, the museum is facing tough financial decisions. But why should the Brooklyn public, who deserve access to the world-class collection and innovateive shows at their local museum have to provide the shortfall? Dr. Arnold
Lehman, director of the Museum had this to say.
"We truly regret that the challenges created
by the economic downturn have made it
necessary to modestly increase the admissions
fee at the Brooklyn Museum. We are grateful
to the Department of Cultural Affairs for its
support as we move forward with this
suggested admissions increase. However, the
Brooklyn Museum and our colleague cultural
institutions throughout New York City still
represent extraordinary enriching value for
all visitors, particularly in this difficult
and distressing time."
Their Target “free” Saturdays are not free, at least not to see over-hyped shows like the Murakami show last year.
This museum has been trying too hard the past few years to get “edgy” shows to balance its fusty old boring standard holdings. Its ugly aluminum umbrella facade is a perfect example of where its head is–the facade covers up a beautiful building in the hopes of being “crowd friendly.” Ooh, look at the jets of water mommy!
The BM, which is an apt name, is a losing proposition, as far as art goes.
The admission fee to the Brooklyn Museum, like at several other NYC museums, is a suggested contribution. You have to give something in exchange for your admission button, but it is up to you to decide how much or how little to give. I understand that most local visitors give less than the suggested amount.
I think this is a dumb move also but don’t get too upset—as frequent Brooklyn Museum visitors know, it’s still a “suggested donation” only.