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Friday, July 07, 2006

Record Year: Australian National Maritime Museum


Yahoo news reports that the Australian National Maritime Museum "has had its most successful year ever in the 12 months to June 30," and that "a total 464,188 people passed through the doors, eclipsing by more than 4200 the museum's previous best in the Olympic Games year 2000-01."

In November of 2003 the Musem dropped its general admission charges, giving free access to its permanent exhibitions and special temporary exhibitions, no doubt increasing attendance figures. At the same time the Museum still charges admission to see its ships - the destroyer HMAS Vampire, submarine HMAS Onslow and the Endeavour replica.

No income figures are available (as far as this blogger was able to determine), but it sure would be interesting to see how this method effected revenue. One would think that food, and trinket sales would most certainly have increased with the increased visitation. How cool would it be if these surpassed previous admission fees!

1 comment:

Kelly said...

That is an interesting Marketplace story. For anyone who missed it you can read the transcript at here

Also I recently visited the Art Institute of Chicago which holds some impressive pieces of American art. They 'suggest' a donation of $12.00 instead of admission. Thought that was an interesting variation.