Indianapolis Museum Of Art To Charge Admission In 2015

The Indianapolis Museum of Art announced today it will end its free general admission policy for adult non-members and most children starting in April.

Tom Hiatt, chair of the IMA’s Board of Governors, said the cost increase and other changes are intended to create long-term financial stability and allow museum programming to reach more people in the community.

Starting in April adult general admission and parking will be $18. The cost includes special exhibitions and permanent collections. A ticket for children six and older will be $10. Annual membership prices will not change.

Charles L. Venable, IMA’s director and CEO, said the museum continues to expand its offerings based on feedback from the community. According to a news release, 99 percent of the IMA’s revenue comes from membership fees, fund raising, public support and its endowment.

“To build and enhance the IMA, it is critical we improve the relationships we have with our local community. While we want people to come to the IMA, we also want to take the IMA out into the community,” Venable said in the news release. “Being more active in our community will allow us to reach a more diverse group of people than have traditionally come to the IMA’s campus. Having more relevant and financially-sustainable programming will ensure the IMA’s place as a cornerstone cultural and educational institution in central Indiana.”

Starting in April an adult general admission ticket will be $18 for parking and exhibitions. Children ages 6-17 will pay $10.

Admission for children ages five and under will be free. Annual membership prices remain at $55 for individuals or $75 for families.

IMA features that will continue to be free:

• Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres
• The Dudley and Mary Louise Sutphin Mall
• Museum Store
• IMA Café

Admission will continue to be free for:

• Scheduled Marion County public and charter school field trips
• College students from four-year, non-profit and public colleges and universities in Marion County
• General public every first Thursday of each month from 4-9 p.m

Contact WFYI reporter Eric Weddle at eweddle@wfyi.org or call (317) 614-0470. Follow on Twitter: @ericweddle.