Amanda Reza
For centuries, museums have been open to visitors. However, admission fees, which can be quite costly in some places, may turn away the public for various reasons. In some unfortunate situations, viewing an exhibit may be inaccessible to those who cannot afford it.
A museum is a nonprofit, permanent institution, according to the International Council of Museum Code of Ethics. It is open to the public to where it serves society in acquiring, conserving, researching and communicating exhibits. As both a public place and a nonprofit organization, museums should not charge money for admission.
Museums are learning centers. Students partake in field trips to immerse themselves in experiences that cannot be achieved through textbooks. Adding a cost to this may prevent students from engaging in these opportunities.
The cost of tickets is not intended to make museums exclusive. Charging money allows for the resources to maintain exhibits. Advertising costs and adding to exhibits may add to the museum’s potential expenses.
Although, there are ways to minimize costs and provide opportunities. Offering internship positions to college students allows them to gain valuable experiences while assisting the museum. For example, they can create flyers or advertisements to both promote the museum and involve the community.
To effectively operate museums, they must be able to pay for their staffing. Many museums have done so in ways that give workers incentives of experience. Holding junior curator programs allows the younger population to get involved in preserving history, making their relationship with museums more meaningful. Museums can also reach out to volunteers to lead events and smaller jobs such as running the gift shop that would not require the expertise of a qualified worker.
There are other ways for museums to earn income while remaining a nonprofit organization. Applying for grants, donations, charging for special exhibits, membership fees or running a cafe are a few of many different possible options.
The Smithsonian museums, recognized as a national treasure, prove this is possible. Their form of operation as a nonprofit museum serves as an exemplary model. Smithsonian museums successfully host many events, most of which are free as well as some special ones that may have a reasonable cost.
While earning money through programs, museums can foster a sense of community. Holding events allow museums to engage the community. They stand as a gathering place for families and friends while attracting tourists. In bringing people together, they strive in a common goal to allow people to learn the value of culture.
But charging for admissions prevents some groups of people from visiting. This minimizes shared culture dismissing an essential goal for all museums. Not all the amenities the museums provide need to be free, but the value of culture the museums provide should be.