I had the opportunity to visit a few museums in another city recently. They each had great special exhibitions, nice stores and even nicer cafes. The collections were equally impressive for different reasons, one with seminal works of contemporary art, one with an impressive collection of Oceanic art and one specific to the region.
Unfortunately, all of these museums charge admission fees. As an employee of a museum, I realize it takes money to run a museum whether it is large or small, public or private, art-focused or historical. Budgets are always tight. There are always projects that must be cut back or cut out and ideas that never come to fruition because of lack of funds. I still find it unbelievable that to take my family to a world-class museum could cost me more than some people spend on their weekly grocery bill.
The Nelson-Atkins has charged admission in the past. I believe the last time we charged was in 2001 and the cost for an adult was less than $7.00 per person. We have always had a free day since the Museum opened in 1933 to allow those in our community who can't afford to pay to visit on those days.
One of the museums we visited was having their half-price night (from 5 to 9 p.m.) which meant the lines were long and the galleries were crowded. In my opinion, I would rather pay a small admission fee or no admission fee and thoroughly enjoy the museum even if that means I need to come back at a less busier time.
Maybe its a midwestern notion that people should be able to enrich their lives with art from ancient cultures to modern masters without having to pay through the nose. I know I'm far from the first to say it but I think it deserves to be said again.