Chicagoist: Art Institute Admission Fees on the Rise

Mary_Sunshine

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:31:47 -0600

Are we really going to get in a pissing match over movie tickets? Admittedly, 12.50 is not the ticket price. But Landmark Century 10 bucks and any AMC theatre close to me is 10.50-10.75. My point is, even if we go with your average ticket price of 9 bucks. It's two hours of entertainment, Art Institute can fill a day. More economical. And more educational.

Stealth

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:28:37 -0600

The Evanston theater's peak price is $9. The davis theater's peak price is $8 The Music box theater's peak price is $9.25 the Siskel film center peak price is $9 Again, where are you going to see movies in Chicago for $12.50. Or are you automatically including popcorn, etc.? Which would seem to boost it over $12.50 anyway

Mary_Sunshine

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:52:28 -0600

Anywhere here in Chicago is 10 bucks after matinee times. I usually sneak in food, which means I'm saving money but I still end up spending 15 bucks at peak times. Also, the Smithsonian's are free because they are subsidized by the federal government. This is why there was such a freak out (late 2008 or early 2009, can't remember) when they considered beginning to charge admission.

ophmarketing

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:26:54 -0600

Sorry, I meant to reply to Kaonashi's comment, not Stealth's.

ophmarketing

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:24:53 -0600

Comparison-wise, in Washington DC, admission to the National Gallery of Art (both buildings), as well as every Smithsonian museum is free.

Stealth

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:30:34 -0600

Plus, when you consider you probably pay 12.50 or more to go to a movie on a Friday night, $12.50?!? Or more???? Where do you go to see movies?

jenniferexacto

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:22:35 -0600

alumni of the school of the aic no longer get free admission to the museum. ouch.

three

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:37:19 -0600

that seems like a pretty steep hike... tbh, i think the museum should extend its free membership to students from some other colleges too... and this is coming from an ex-student of the school of the art institute.

jennyblur

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:21:29 -0600

The Munch Exhibit is amazing. Please go see it.

Mary_Sunshine

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:57:18 -0600

Yeah, $18 is a lot of money, BUT contrary to popular belief, museums don't receive a lot of taxpayer money. Chicago Museums receive only enough public funding (taxes) to cover around 10% of their operating costs. If you want to go for free, besides getting a pass from the library, you can also go on Thursday evenings, when the Art Institute is free (or Friday evenings in the summer). You can also pay to become a member which would get you in free year-round. There are probably benefits that come with that. Plus, when you consider you probably pay 12.50 or more to go to a movie on a Friday night, 18 bucks for a day's worth of entertainment is still a bargain.

Rachelle Bowden

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:39:19 -0600

just tried to look around quick.. maybe i am wrong.. but i remember a few years ago i didnt have an IL id yet and i was trying to convince admissions that i did live here.

Kaonashi

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:37:44 -0600

Comparison-wise, the Met is 20 bucks now, but that's a suggested price; if you can only pay $10 they are fine with it. The Art Institute used to have a suggested price but stopped doing that a while ago. And unlike the Art Institute, all NY public school students and certain colleges can go to the Met for free. So yeah. :/ The free days should definitely be for Chicago residents only; everyone else should be paying. Can't wait to see the new Modern wing; it seems like they've been working on it forever!

Rachelle Bowden

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:37:17 -0600

is it MSI that is discounted for residents? i know one/some of them are.

Kaonashi

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:23:31 -0600

There is a small discount for city residents, Natalia. In addition, city residents can check out free passes for most museums at the Chicago Public Library.

Ingrid

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:51:13 -0600

I think that this is horrible. I have been buying a membership ever since I moved here, so this doesn't affect me, but the thought of a student having to pay $12 to get in is really a shame. The Toledo Museum of Art, which in my opinion puts the Chicago Art Institute to shame, is free. Every day. All day. They have a donation box, but it's always free admission, and if you haven't been there I would highly recommend making the trip. It's in Toledo *blech* but it really is a world class institution.

Natalia1979

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:48:32 -0600

They should give a discount for city residents and let tourists pay that admission. I have to say this is bogus and will impede young people from going to the Institute. I understand they have remodeled and such, but then at least give city residents, who pay incredibly high taxes on EVERYTHING, a friggin break.