Eastside Met Policy Change

[lennygoran]

We were spending the day in nyc with flower exhibits-first the imaginative easter flower display at macy's-an annual event-and then a wonderful new exhibit at the met museum of art-didn't realize there's a new admission charge at the met for nj people and others-oh well it was nice while it lasted. Len

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/01/arts ... rkers.html

[AlanM]

Why not join? You don’t have to get on line; you get invites to some exhibitions before they open to the public; discounts in the Dining Room on the fourth floor; discounts in the bookstors; a glossy publication about holdings and exhibitions a few times a year; etc.

[jbuck919]

We were spending the day in nyc with flower exhibits-first the imaginative easter flower display at macy's-an annual event-and then a wonderful new exhibit at the met museum of art-didn't realize there's a new admission charge at the met for nj people and others-oh well it was nice while it lasted. Len

I read about this new charge, which of course does not apply to me, and I don't quite get it. Why are they excluding NY State residents? It's not as though any of our tax money goes into supporting the museum, except in the indirect sense that rich people get a tax deduction for contributions, but that applies to the whole country, not just New York.

The last time I was at the Met was the year of our big meet-up, the one where I took care of the arrangements and then was almost late coming in from my budget hotel in Jersey City. I distinctly remember having to pay an entrance fee then, and standing in a rather long line to do so. Years ago in high school field-trip days the rule was "you may pay any amount you want, but you must pay something." It is not reasonable for a museum of that stature (or any stature for that matter) in the US not to charge admission as a matter of basic support. The exception would be the Smithsonian, of which the National Gallery of Art both is and is not a part. Don't ask me, I am as confused by it as anybody and I lived around there for 25 years. One might not believe that their entire operating costs are covered by tax dollars (in fact they are not), yet even the guards are government employees, and rather well paid for it, all things considered, not to mention being covered by the still superior benefits of a someone paid on the General Schedule. (That's what GS stands for in case you didn't know.)

[lennygoran]

Why not join? You don’t have to get on line; you get invites to some exhibitions before they open to the public; discounts in the Dining Room on the fourth floor; discounts in the bookstors; a glossy publication about holdings and exhibitions a few times a year; etc.

Alan we were already at the museum for the garden park exhibit-joining was exactly what we decided was our best option! Regards, Len

[lennygoran]

Why are they excluding NY State residents? ... I distinctly remember having to pay an entrance fee then, and standing in a rather long line to do so. Years ago in high school field-trip days the rule was "you may pay any amount you want, but you must pay something."... The exception would be the Smithsonian, of which the National Gallery of Art both is and is not a part.

John I'm confused by your message-I don't think NY State residents are excluded-as far as I can remember the policy for them remains the same as it's always been-pay what you want but pay something. From the Times article “New York State residents and NY, NJ and CT students, the amount you pay is up to you.” Love the free Smithsonian museums including the Zoo-same for the National Gallery and other London Museums. Regards, Len

9 Must-visit free museums in London

British Library. World's largest library holding an impressive 150 million+ items. ...
British Museum. A true blockbuster with artifacts from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles. ...
National Gallery. ...
Natural History Museum. ...
National Portrait Gallery. ...
Science Museum. ...
Tate Modern. ...
The Tate Britain.