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VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS

Mr. Adams commented on the following summary of key issues with respect to soliciting voluntary contributions in Smithsonian museums. He indicated that, unless there was opposition from the Regents, he would explore the acceptability of some such measures with members of Congress who have expressed interest. He assured the Regents that he would proceed with these discussions with utmost care and will take no action toward implementation without reaching a more specific agreement with the Board of Regents.

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The question of voluntary contributions is one of great complexity given the Institution's relationship with the Federal Government, and the public's apparent assumption that their tax dollars go towards the total costs needed for the maintenance, administration, and programmatic offerings of these national museums. While no other group of museums in this country enjoys the level of Federal support which the Smithsonian Institution receives, many have similar relationships with city or state governments, and these relationships create similar expectations on the part of the tax-paying public. Their expectations include: consistent and accessible hours, free admissions or low admissions fees; and free or reduced fees for school groups from the supporting jurisdictions.

In 1989 the American Association of Museums (AAM) published the findings of a "National Museum Survey" which included data pertaining to admissions fee structures of museums, zoos, aquaria, and botanic gardens throughout the nation. Of the 8,179 cultural institutions surveyed, 4,462 (or 55%) charged admissions fees. Of these, 2,714 or 60.8% had fixed fees and 4.7% had suggested fees. 3,378 institutions were funded by their local, state or the Federal government; of these, 69.8% had fixed fees. The AAM data did not indicate the levels of government support which each of these entities receives. The average amount charged by all of the institutions surveyed was $2.00 for non-member adults and $1.00 for children in museums with fixed fees. Many museums initiated fees so that free admissions might be provided as a benefit for membership. Of the 4,462 responding institutions with fees, 1,259 provided member discounts for admissions. 

An informal telephone survey of museums in New York, Chicago and Dallas yielded more specific findings. The Dallas art, history and natural history museums do not charge admission fees. All of the Chicago museums canvassed, with the exception of the Museum of Science and Industry, solicit donations at suggested levels upon admission. The average suggested fee is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. The Chicago Art Institute's suggested donation of $6.00 yields an average contribution of $4.00.

New York City cultural institutions' admission policies are subject to the approval of the Department of Cultural Affairs. There are several 

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