Art Institute, Science and Industry museum admissions will rise

The Art Institute of Chicago and Museum of Science and Industry won city approval Wednesday to increase admission fees — by $2 for most visitors.

The nearly 10 percent fee increase for admission fees, largely for local residents, was approved by the Chicago Park District board during an afternoon meeting. The board vote was necessary because the museums sit on park district property.

The Art Institute, which hasn't seen a price increase in about four years, needs to increase its admission price to help pay city bills including water, sewer and construction permit fees that were "previously . . . waived by the city," according to city documents. The Art Institute also needs more money to cover staff raises of 2.5 percent.

Those living outside of Illinois will see the biggest jump — $5 — in admission to the Art Institute. Student and senior admission will rise to $17, and adult admission will climb to $23, according to the park district.

Rates for Illinois residents will go up $2: to $14 for seniors and students and $20 for adults.

And rates for Chicago residents will go up $2: seniors and students will pay $12 and adults $18; children under 14 will continue to be admitted to the Art Institute for free. The increase will kick in Feb. 1.

At the Museum of Science and Industry, general admission costs will go up the most — $3 — for adults and seniors living outside the city. Adults will pony up $18 and senior citizens will pay $17. Admission for children 3 to 11 will increase $1 — to $11.

For city residents, a $2 increase means Chicago seniors will pay $14 and adults $15. Admission for children ages 3 to 11 will go up by $1 to $10. Any child under 3 gets in free.

The new admission fees at the Museum of Science and Industry will kick in Jan. 23.