Two Chicago museums hike admission fees

Two Chicago museums hike admission fees
The Museum of Science and Industry. Flickr/Jeremy M. Farmer
Two Chicago museums hike admission fees
The Museum of Science and Industry. Flickr/Jeremy M. Farmer

Two Chicago museums hike admission fees

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Museum goers in Chicago will soon pay more to visit the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry.

On Wednesday, the Chicago Park District Board unanimously approved an admission fee hike at both museums.

Starting Thursday, the Museum of Science and Industry will charge $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents. In February, at the Art Institute, Chicagoans will pay $18 while out-of-state visitors will pay $23. That’s a hike of between $2 and $5 per person.

In a statement, the Art Institute says the move was prompted by factors including wage increases and a decrease in taxpayer support.

Both museums say the city’s decision to start charging non-profits for water use, sewer service and construction permits played a role in the decision.

The Museum of Science and Industry also cited lower revenues and plans for three new permanent exhibitions as justification for the increase.

The Art Institute says it will remain accessible despite the increase by offering some free days for Illinois residents, free admission for children under 14 and free access for active members of the military.

The Museum of Science and Industry will continue to offer free admission for children under 3.