If you could have any of the Smithsonian Museums in Nova....

[goozer]

Originally Posted by normie

On the news yesterday they were talking about charging $7.50 admission to the Smithsonians. Hope it's just the typical hot air that goes nowhere.

That would be incredibly lame. The best thing about the Smithsonian museums is that they are free. But if it does come to pass, I guess $7.50 is a relative bargain nowadays. The San Diego Zoo and the Georgia Aquarium both charge over $30 a person for a single day pass. Crazy.

[Alicia Bradley]

Originally Posted by normie

You mean the storage facility underneath the mall? Hmmm, that could be intriguing. We could have a museum called "Brought Back to Life" devoted to all the times that have been stuck in storage for a few decades. Oh, and they do a lot of support work from th castle--I wouldn't mind having a similar castle building out here. They could put it in Fairfax City!

I was actually thinking of the Suitland (MD) facility, but, yeah, the on-site stuff is really what needs to be out on display. (The National Gallery of Art has some of my favorite stuff (all of their Marie Laurencin pieces, for instance - though the National Museum of Women in the Arts has two on display) in more-or-less *permanent* storage, too.. what a waste! ) And, yeah, Fairfax City would be an *excellent* location for a Smithsonian West/'also-rans' sort of collection.. having a BIG attraction that would bring people into Fairfax City would provide lots of support for existing (and additional!!) frou-frou/'destination'-style retail in the area, too.

[Caladium]

I can't believe they'd ever charge admission. We've heard this idea pop up before, and it always gets rejected immediately.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by normie

On the news yesterday they were talking about charging $7.50 admission to the Smithsonians. Hope it's just the typical hot air that goes nowhere.

I thought the admission aspect fell under the charter of the Smithsonian? That it would remain free to the public? Maybe they're asking for a "donation" of $7.50. Kind of messed up though b/c alot of people visit DC because of the free admission.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by South Jersey Styx

I thought the admission aspect fell under the charter of the Smithsonian? That it would remain free to the public? Maybe they're asking for a "donation" of $7.50. Kind of messed up though b/c alot of people visit DC because of the free admission.

There's no way they would ever start charging admission. I think they just say that from time to time to make sure people appreciate them.

[statecollege]

None. National museums belong in the nation's capital, except in rare circumstances like the Air and Space Museum, where large space is required.