The docent for Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry talks about some of the newer exhibits at this South Side institution. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
A Chicago Park District committee has approved admission fee hikes for the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry.
On Feb. 1, the Art Institute will increase its admission price for adults in Chicago from $16 to $18. Out-of-state residents will pay $23, up from $18.
The Museum of Science and Industry will charge Chicago adults $15 starting Jan. 23, a $2 hike. The admission fee for non-resident adults will increase from $15 to $18.
The increases were approved by the Committee on Programs and Recreation this morning. The district's full board is expected to pass the admission fee hikes at its 4 p.m. meeting today.
The Art Institute is facing "inflationary pressures associated with any organization," according to documents. The Museum of Science and Industry cited rising operating expenses, including "highly technical" exhibitions that cost more than $1.5 million per year to keep open.
"If we didn't have to do it, we wouldn't do it," Art Institute director Douglas Druick said. "It was felt that this was reasonable, not too onerous and signaled our commitment to the city and to the state by putting more of the burden on out-of-state tourist visitors."
Druick said the Art Institute now pays about $200,000 per year for water usage and sewer service, tabs that used to be picked up by the city.
David Mosena, CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry, said his institution pays a similar amount by the new expenses are the "last item on the list" of reasons why he requested the admission price increases.
Both institutions offer free admission to a quarter or more of their annual visitors.
The Museum of Science and Industry last changed its admission fee in January 2010. The Art Institute tweaked its entrance prices in 2009.
"There's no other city in the country that has the public support … that this city does for its museums," Mosena told district commissioners.
Art Institute, Museum of Science-Industry fee hikes likely
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