On May 16, the Art Institute of Chicago will open to the public its new $283 million wing dedicated to modern art. Along with this, other changes are being made to the Art Institute. Everything is being reinstalled, and the admission price will soon be raised from $12 to $18. A gala will be held on May 9 to celebrate the revamped museum. The Chicago Tribune asks this question, “Is this lavish offering… a misreading of the times and people’s willingness to pay a premium to view great art in a stunning new building? Or is the world-renowned art museum making a statement: that temporary economic conditions can’t thwart Chicago’s ambition and commitment to its cultural life?” The Art Institute has been defending its decision to raise admission prices, despite the opposition being voiced by the people of Chicago and by the City Council. Museum officials are confident in these changes being successful, because museum figures have proven before that attendance is not adversely affected by price increases and has actually risen during economic hardships. Although she is working for the competition, Museum of Contemporary Art director Madeleine Grynsztejn supports the changes, saying, “Art has a very long view, and to the Art Institute’s credit, it is creating a wing for the public of Chicago to enjoy forever, in good times and bad.”
