General admission fee takes effect at IMA

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Starting Tuesday, April 7, the Indianapolis Museum of Art will charge a general admission fee.

In the past, the museum was free, but visitors had to pay to see several attractions. Leaders announced the change in December and said the admission fee will make touring the museum a more streamlined process.

Also this month, a tram will begin service throughout the campus to help visitors navigate IMA.

The new admission fee is $18 for adults, $10 for children ages 6 to 17, and free for kids five and under. There will also be free admission on the first Thursday of each month and select special occasions throughout the year. The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park will remain free.

Another option for people interested in visiting the museum is an annual membership. The cost is $55 for a single person and $75 for a family. Those prices won’t change.

For a comparative look, here are daily admission prices for other Indianapolis area facilities:

• The Children’s Museum: $21.50 for adults, $20.50 for senior citizens, $18.50 for children 2-17, free for children younger than 2.
• Conner Prairie Interactive History Park: Varies based on time of year. From March 26-Nov. 1 it’s $16 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $11 for children 2-12, free for children younger than 2. Click here for full pricing information.
• Eiteljorg: $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $6 for children 5-17, free for children 4 and younger.
• Hall of Fame Museum (at Indianapolis Motor Speedway): $5 for adults, $3 for children 6-15, free for children 5 and younger.
• Indiana State Museum: $13 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, $8.50 for children.
• Indianapolis Zoo: $11.45 for adults, $10.45 for senior citizens, $8.70 for children 2-12, free for children younger than 2.