Title
AUTHORIZATION TO CHANGE THE GENERAL ADMISSION FEE FOR MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
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 Contemporary Art (MCA). The proposed general admission fee increase is to take effect in June 2023 with approval of the Park District Board. The museum has not increased its fees since 2017.
II. Explanation
The proposed general admission fee increase will allow MCA to continue to maintain its current offerings while supporting meaningful change for our staff and visitors. In 2022, the MCA transitioned its part time staff into full time positions and created the role of Art Ambassador. These changes provided patrons with a better visitor experience while extending healthcare benefits to existing staff. The additional revenues from the change in admissions is expected to increase revenues by $325,000 annually for general operating expenses and allow the museum to offer a paid intern program.
The MCA is bringing back Family Days and the return of school programs such as field trips and SPACE (School Partnerships for Arts and Civic Engagement). Family Days are designed and led by Chicago Artists for all families and youth who take part in workshops, open studio sessions, gallery tours and performances. SPACE is a multi-year creative residency with Chicago Public Schools where a resident artist transforms spaces into sites of artistic and civic exchange. MCA also offers free guided field trips with free transportation to thousands of students in Chicago Public Schools.
In a typical year more than 47% of guests visit the museum for free. MCA provides 52 free days each year for Illinois residents and this includes their summer evening series “Tuesdays on the Terrace”, which features free outdoor musical performances. Admission remains free for all youth 18 and under and active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In addition, veterans, police and firefighters are offered free admission. The admission is discounted to $3 for visitors with an EBT card. Lastly, the MCA remains committed to maintaining a suggested admission price, which means no visitor will be turned away if they choose to pay less than the new price.
Admissions only represent 5.6% of the museums $28 million operating budget. Most revenues (over 84%) come from annual contributions and endowment. The MCA has also been diligent in cost cutting and reducing expenses to maintain a sustainable operating budget. The museum has implements LED lighting and installing solar shades to reduce energy costs.
II. Explanation (continued)
The following is a summary of the proposed general admission increase:
Current Admission Fee Proposed Admission Fee
Children under 18 Free Free
Chicago Resident:
Students/Seniors $ 8 $ 10
Adults $ 15 $ 19
Non-Resident (non-Chicago):
Students/Seniors $ 8 $ 14
Adults $ 15 $ 22
In reviewing the Museum of Contemporary Art’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 Contemporary Art 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.