The big donation that Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announced earlier this week turns out to be $20 million from Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Described as a gift to all visitors of the museum in the earlier announcement, the money means the museum won’t charge admission, director Don Bacigalupi said.

Would the museum really have charged $10 admission to the museum, as Bacigalupi said it was considering? Really?

Advertisement

From the press release:

“One of the greatest challenges for museums today is finding ways to remove barriers to community participation, including admission charges,” said Don Bacigalupi, Crystal Bridges executive director. “Walmart has shown extraordinary vision and foresight in funding access to the museum, providing all that Crystal Bridges has to offer to all people at no cost. We know that this gift will allow the museum to become a daily resource in our community.”

Given over a period of five years, the grant is the first gift dedicated to the museum’s newly created Next Generation Fund which addresses the economic, social and cultural barriers that often prevent diverse audiences from participating in the arts.

I’ve asked the museum whether this means it won’t charge special admission fees to exhibits it pays to bring in from other museums and arts collaborators, and when I get a response I’ll post it here.

Advertisement

UPDATE from the museum: There may be an additional charge for special exhibitions. General admission will be free. Museum members will receive complimentary or discounted admission to select exhibits and events.

The full release:

Advertisement

cbmaa.pdf

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article McCain: Some members “deceiving” constituents Next article Reception tonight: McKimmey