New York City

Met Museum Proposes Charging Admission to Non-New Yorkers

The proposal would need to be approved by the city, because the city owns the Met's building

Tourists, grab your wallets. The Met wants to make its recommended admissions fee mandatory for everyone except New Yorkers. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art filed a formal petition to the city to charge a fee to anyone who lives outside of New York state. Those who live in New York City or New York state would still pay what they wish, as little as a penny.

The recommended fee for adults is $25. 

“We are in discussions with the City about our admissions policies," a spokesman for the Met said. 

The proposal would need to be approved by the city, because the city owns the Met's building. 

"We will review it carefully," said a spokesman for the Department of Cultural Affairs. "The city is committed to working with the Met to ensure that its unrivaled collection and programming remain accessible to all New Yorkers."

An 1893 New York state law mandates the public should be admitted for free at least five days and two evenings per week. In exchange, the museum gets annual grants from the city and free rent for its building and land along Fifth Avenue.

New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs agreed to the museum's request in 1970 for a general admission as long as the amount was left up to individuals and that the signage reflected that.

"The City and The Met have partnered for 147 years," the Met spokesman said Saturday. "Our partnership with the City is the foundation of the Museum’s success."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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