Admission rises at the Art Institute of Chicago

Many museums around the country will be watching the attendance impact of the 50% price jump for tickets to Chicago's Art Institute.  The change went into effect this past Saturday in conjunction with the museum's new Modern Wing opening.

Museum officials say they aren't expecting attendance drops because numbers have risen steadily in recent years, despite moving to mandatory ticket fees (from voluntary) earlier in the decade.

The pricing change is actually a benefit for those viewing special exhibitions because the new $18 fee is inclusive for those events.  Previously special exhibitions could run an extra $20 over the general admission charge.  

Still, the effect on overall attendance will be interesting to keep an eye on.  If general attendance remains steady or increases, it could signal pricing increases at other museums across the country.

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One additional note from the land of the Cubs and the home of the Bears.  My thanks to Adam Thurman, director of marketing at Court Theatre.  Adam authors the Mission Paradox blog for arts marketers and was kind enough to give That's the Ticket a mention last week.  If you haven't read Mission Paradox I'd encourage you to give it a try.