Baltimore Museums to Drop Fees

On May 31st, the Washington Post reported that the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum were both scheduled to drop their admissions fees because of an $800,000 gift from the city and county. A private donor chipped in $30,000 toward making admission free museums possible. In recent years both museums had been charging around $10 for admission.

The bold idea should allow not only a greater number of visitors to explore the museums, but also increase the socio-economic diversity of those visiting the institution. Museums in Baltimore noted that they were impressed with the way attendance has increased at museums such as the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Cincinnati Art Museum after admission fees were eliminated.

Both museums projected to lose about $240,000 from turnstyle fees in the move. Additionally, the Washington Post reports that the museums plan to spend about half a million dollars promoting the new policy. The institutions hope to meet the shortfall by approaching various foundations, corporations, and private donors for funding.

If the museums are successful after the decision to eliminate admission fees, it might continue the wave of institutions in the United States making the move. It is also interesting to note that certain museums, such as the Smithsonian, are contemplating heading in the exact opposite direction.