Advantages and disadvantages of charging museum admission fees Question Many museums change admission, while others allow for free admission. Do you think the advantages of charging admission fees are more than disadvantages? Essay It is true that admission fees are a vital source of income for many museums. Although there are some positives of paid museum visit, I would argue that there are more drawbacks. The main benefit of charging admission fees is that constant and sufficient income obtained in this way can guarantee museums’ daily operation. Like other organisations, such as university, gallery, public transport system, museums need income to cover daily expenses, from protecting precious exhibits to installing modern facilities, from organising art displays to recruiting security guards, curators and specialists who regularly restore and maintain fragile artefacts. Furthermore, with admission fees paid, museums will not be restricted by budget, and are able to hold more campaigns to attract more visitors. Despite the advantages mentioned above, I believe that charging those who visit museums is a negative act for various reasons. Firstly, it will block some from entering museums, especially the poor, meaning that those who are still trying to make ends meet will never consider visiting museums as necessary and attractive as purchasing food, clothes and homeware. Therefore, with little access to the essence of a country’s or a city’s customs, cultures, values and arts, children from those impoverished families would find themselves deprived of the rights to enlarge their outlook and eventually lag behind their peers. Secondly, the tourism industry will be affected to some extent, as some tourists would probably choose other travel destinations to where free museums are available. The incomes of local restaurants, hotels, shopping malls are, therefore, affected greatly and job opportunities are decreased accordingly. Finally, with fewer visitors to the museums, the proliferation of a place’s culture will also be hindered.. In conclusion, while I recognise the possible merits of charging admission fees for museums, I consider it to be detrimental act overall.