The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney is set to start charging admission fees for the first time in two decades.
The harbour front museum will begin charging a $20 general admission fee from January 31, 2025.
The museum said on its website that it could “not afford” to keep admissions free due to its “current financial position”.
“Significantly increasing costs and inflation are putting immense pressure on the MCA. At the same time, our government funding has actually declined, in real terms, since 2007,” The website reads.
“We have already implemented a range of measures to cut costs – including closing one day per week – but our current financial position means we cannot afford to keep admission free.
“Introducing an admission charge will help the Museum remain sustainable into the future.”
People under 18 and Australian students who have their ID on them will still be able to visit the museum for free.
International students visiting the museum will be charged a $16 concession admission fee.
Adults will be charged a general admission of $20 or adults can opt for the new ‘All Access’ entry fee of $35, which includes access to the museum’s major summer and winter exhibitions.
“The MCA receives a recurring grant from the State Government for which we are thankful,” the museum’s website reads.
“However, in 2025 we will need to raise 85 per cent of our total operating costs through donations, ticket sales and commercial activities to deliver our artistic and engagement programs.”
The museum is an independently owned and non-for-profit organisation.
