Should museums be free?

chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2019-05-18 08:25

Editor's note: International Museum Day falls on May 18. The debate over whether museums should be free is a big one right now. It's the source of a lot of discussion in the popular press and nonprofit boardrooms alike. Should museums be free? China Daily readers share their opinions.

KristaChen (US)

Museums are not only there for enjoyment; they are education, and as such should be free.

While I can appreciate the enormous costs involved in maintaining and obtaining collections, let the wealthiest 1 percent of the country pay for it.

The Met in NYC is technically free; they ask you to give what you can afford. But the idea of a person or child interested in art not being able to view it because of cost is morally wrong.

Visitors take in an exhibit at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing ahead of next week's Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations. [PHOTO BY JIANG DONG/CHINA DAILY]

1 2 3 4 5 Next >>|

1/5 Next

Photo

Advantage Zheng as fans rally to support

Young African entrepreneurs eager for Chinese knowledge

Festive China: Chongyang Festival

Ten photos from across China: Oct 4 - 10

Posters: China's achievements in elderly care services

Latter-day Marco Polo relishes his 'lucky exploration'