Title
AUTHORIZATION TO CHANGE THE GENERAL ADMISSION FEE FOR THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
Body
To: The Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District
I. Recommendation
It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners adopt an order authorizing an increase in the general admission fees for the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). The proposed general admission fee increase is to take effect May 1, 2023 with approval of the Park District Board and only impacts the rates for non-city residents. The museum has not increased its fees since 2018.
II. Explanation
The proposed general admission fee increase will allow MSI to continue its commitment to serve the various audiences in communities throughout the city through free days and enhance community programming. In addition MSI has experienced rising costs in its operations driven by high inflation especially in wage costs to attract and retain a talented workforce. MSI’s has 25% less employees as compared to pre-pandemic levels but even with the reduction, increases in wages, health care costs as well as increased maintenance of its 129 year old building has led to a need to raise admission fees. Admission fees represent 19% of its annual budget of $48.7 million and the change is expected to increase revenues by approx. $.8 million to $1.2 million.
In a typical year more than 40% of guests visit the museum for free. MSI has been the number one field trip destination and all Illinois school groups visit for free which in a typical year is nearly 300,000 students. In addition, to school groups, MSI provides 52 free days each year and Chicago firefighters and police, active military and veterans, EBT & WIC cardholders are also free. MSI also incentivizes Chicago Public School students to attend the first day of school by providing more than 30,000 vouchers for free admission for the student and two family members. The museum offers STEM, educational and cultural experiences that are nationally recognized both inside and outside the classroom. Each year, MSI engages over 700,000 students, families, educators and communities and support them with resources and opportunities. Examples include introducing 41,000 youth and families to STEM professionals at Science Works career events and inviting over 7,000 visitors to the Wanger Family Fab Lab to use design software, laser cutters and 3D printers to create their own unique projects.
The proposed new pricing would also assist MSI in upgrading an aging security and life safety infrastructure and cover operating costs associated with two new exhibits.
II. Explanation (continued)
The following is a summary of the proposed general admission increase:
Current Admission Fee Proposed Admission Fee
Children under 2 Free Free
Chicago Resident:
Children ages 3-11 $ 9.95 $ 9.95
Adults $ 16.95 $ 16.95
Non-Resident (non-Chicago):
Children ages 3-11 $ 12.95 $ 14.95
Adults $ 21.95 $ 25.95
In reviewing the Museum of Science and Industry’s request we compared their proposed pricing structure with other museums in the Chicago area as well as other museums across the country and concluded that the proposed pricing structure would still be below or in line with other museums.
The Museum of Science and Industry is an invaluable resource to the people of Chicago. Increased admission fees will help allow the museum to continue to provide world-class experiences for guests of all ages; therefore, we respectfully request the Board’s authorization for the requested increase.