Are you planning to visit the American Museum of Natural History but wondering about the admission fee? Well, the good news is that the museum still offers a ‘pay what you wish’ system. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you plan your visit.
What is Pay What You Wish?
Pay what you wish is a flexible admission fee system that allows visitors to pay any amount they want for admission to the museum. Visitors can pay the full suggested admission price or can pay less or even nothing at all.
How Does Pay What You Wish Work?
The American Museum of Natural History has a suggested admission fee for visitors, which is $23 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, and $13 for children aged 2-12. However, visitors can choose to pay any amount they wish instead of the suggested amount.
Visitors have to enter their payment at one of the ticket counters at the museum’s entrance. They can pay by cash or credit card and will receive their tickets accordingly.
It’s important to note that while paying less than the suggested admission fee is allowed, paying nothing at all isn’t encouraged unless it’s due to financial hardship or other valid reasons.
When Can You Pay What You Wish?
Pay what you wish applies only on certain days and times. The museum has designated hours when visitors can choose to pay what they wish, which are as follows:
- Every day from 4 pm – 5:45 pm
- The first Friday of every month from 4 pm – 8 pm (except in July and August)
During these hours, visitors can decide how much they want to pay for admission.
Is Pay What You Wish Worth It?
If you’re on a tight budget or have a large group of people to pay for, pay what you wish can be a great option. However, keep in mind that the suggested admission fee is there for a reason.
The museum is a non-profit organization and relies on admission fees to maintain its exhibits and programs. Paying less than the suggested amount may hurt the museum’s ability to provide quality exhibits and education for future visitors.
Moreover, during peak hours, waiting times can be long if you choose the pay what you wish option. So if you’re visiting on a busy day or with limited time, it may be worth paying the full admission fee to skip the line.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, the American Museum of Natural History still offers a pay what you wish system. Visitors can choose to pay any amount they want instead of the suggested admission fee during designated hours. While it’s a great option for those on a budget, keep in mind that paying less than the suggested amount may hurt the museum’s future programs and exhibits.