What does "suggested" price of admission mean?

Question

Is it like, you have to pay AT LEAST this much?

Answer 1

Suggested means voluntary. You can go in there without paying anything, if you want. But a donation is appreciated. You don't have to pay anything if you don't want to.

Add - I would have $20 on me if I were you. Museums are non-profit organizations, but can charge admission into their facility.

I'm jealous. I love NYC and didn't have a chance to go to the MET. I hope you enjoy it.

Answer 2

It means, technically you don't have to pay anything to be admitted. However, it's best if you at least give a dollar or so (it doesn't look good if you don't, you'll look cheap).

Answer 3

As they are not for profit organisations, I'm not sure whether or not they can charge.  However, it's also just an ethical thing for yourself.  For instance when I was a single Mum doing my Masters I had noooooo disposable income.  The suggested donation at my museum was $5 but I didn't feel any guilt about paying $1 or $2.

But now I'm making good money I might give $6 or $7 to make up for it.  Think of it this way, it makes perfect sense that at a place like a museum - a rich tourist should be paying more than a poor kid from a poor area so that they both have equal access to the museum.

So just do an honest assessment of your financial situation, and pay accordingly.

Answer 4

Well for the Met I think that the suggested price of admission is the price that they suggest you pay. It's more of a donation than a price. You could pay $5, 10, it's just a price they ask for, but since it's a museum and a place for education etc. they don't charge a set price. It's whatever you can pay and are willing to pay.

Answer 5

Basically the expect $20. You can give less if you like and they will still let you in.