Smithsonian Contemplates Charging Admission

November 21, 8:06 AMDC Cultural Events ExaminerJada Bradley

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Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery

One of the things I really love about DC is that it is home to the Smithsonian. This sprawling, multi-faceted institution provides a wealth of knowledge, culture and entertainment that for the most part is available to the public at no cost.  At its various locaitons, you can:

see foreign movies,

learn about textiles,

examine everyday objects from other cultures,

get cultural insight into the media,

see wild animals or

have a spot of tea.

Yesterday I was suprised to read yesterday that the Smithsonian is thinking about charging admission.  I've heard this rumblings before, but this time it will be discussed in an open meeting of the governing board--the first in 162 years.

Since its founding, as a gift from British scientist James Smithson, the Smithsonian has been an institution with the aim of stimulating the minds of the American public.

Recently, the Smithsonian came under fire for making a deal with Showtime. It needs revenue, but at the same time many felt that this deal compromised the Smithsonian's ideals.

However, as great at it is, it cannot run on esteem alone. As much as I enjoy it, I too wonder how long it can go on being free.