11/10/2001

Since September the 11th, most museums in New York, as well as in other states around the US, have been experiencing a major drop in attendance and a loss of revenue from admission fees, bookshops and cafeterias according to the New York Times. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has seen a 60% decrease in attendance since the attacks and has lost altogether about $ 2,000,000 (€ 2,190,732), or 54% of its usual revenues from admission fees, restaurants and shops. These funds account for nearly 27% of the museum’s operating costs. Over the last few weeks the Museum of Modern Art, where admission fees and store sales account for about 20% of operating costs, has seen its visitors drop by about 50% compared with the same period last year. In Washington, attendance at the Smithsonian Institution has fallen 38% while revenues for last month are down 65%, on the year. To try and recoup losses the Met, the Modern and the Museum of Natural History are considering joint advertising campaigns and cross-promotions. The Met has been holding concerts daily at noon in the Great Hall, while the Modern has decided to change its advertising to focus on a New York audience, advertising in The Village Voice, Newsday, and the Daily News as well as buying more local radio space. In downtown New York, businesses and cultural institutions are now supporting the idea of seeking a tax-free zone that would also encourage visitors. (James Goulder)