Letter: Museum charges

Thursday 27 November 1997 00:02 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: In a realistic world, there is a fair, flexible and moderate path between free entry to museums and the high fixed charges which deter "pop-in" visitors.

The system which works admirably for car parking - take a ticket on entry, pay on exit - must surely be adaptable for museums and galleries. The scale of charges would reflect the amount of time the visitor stays, starting with a nominal amount, perhaps as little as 50p, for up to half an hour.

This system would require investment in ticket and payment machines, but the high level of automation would reduce the ongoing costs of selling tickets personally. As a bonus, it could provide useful and reliable management information.

PATRICIA SMITH

London SW1

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Letter: Museum charges

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering