The Art Institute of Chicago and Museum of Science and Industry’s plan to hike admission fees — for most by about $2 — won first-round approval Wednesday morning from the city.
The nearly 10 percent fee hike for admission fees for locals was approved by the Chicago Park District Board’s Programs and Recreation Committee during a morning meeting. A full board vote - necessary because the museums sit on park district property - is expected Wednesday afternoon, and the new admission fees would take effect in the coming weeks.
- The Art Institute, which hasn’t seen a price increase in about four years, needs to hike its admission price to help pay city bills including water, sewer and construction permit fees that were “previously ... waived by the city,” according to city documents. The Art Institute also needs more money to cover staff raises of 2.5 percent.
Those living outside of Illinois would see the biggest jump — of $5 — in admission to the Art Institute with student and senior admission going up to $17, while adult admission would climb to $23, according to the park district. Illinois residents would see their rates go up by $2, too, to $14 for seniors and students and $20 for adults. And Chicago residents would see rates go up by $2 with seniors and students paying $12 and adults $18, under the plan.
Children under 14 would continue to get in to the Art Institute for free.
If the plan wins final approval later Wednesday, the increase would kick in Feb. 1. At the Museum of Science and Industry, general admission costs would go up the most — $3 — for adults and seniors living outside the city. Adults would pony up $18 and senior citizens would pay $17 as part of the schedule of fee hikes.
