Just two months after approving a 50-percent boost in the admission price for Chicago Park District venues, the Art Institute of Chicago agreed to a little less.
Beginning May 23, the adult admission fee to the Art Institute will be $16, down from the original $18 that was approved two months ago.
The change nearly coincides with the opening of the Art Institute's Modern Wing, which opens May 16, but will offer free admission through May 22.
Back in March, aldermen threatened to cut off the museum's free services -- including water, license fees and inspection fees -- out of annoyance for the admission fee increase request.
"It's one thing to charge $18 for somebody who's coming here from New Orleans or New York or San Francisco," Ald. Ed Burke (16th) said in March. "It's something entirely different… to charge $18 to a taxpayer who lives in Chicago, who's already paying taxes that subsidize these institutions."
The board also cut rates for students and seniors by $2, to $10, and it raised the age at which children will get free admission to 14 from 12.
