June 23, 2006

NY lawmakers seek ban of Ground Zero museum fee

New York state lawmakers are expected next week to approve legislation that would prohibit the official museum at the World Trade Center site from charging admission fees, according to the Daily News.

In March, the head of the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation said admission fees would be necessary to cover the $40 million annual operating costs since no government agency wants to take on those costs. The earlier plan would have charged a fee to enter the museum, but access to the memorial itself would be free. Family members of the WTC victims would have had free access to the museum as well.

A modified $510 million plan for the museum and memorial were unveiled this week after the original proposal was barreling toward a $1 billion price tag.

Image credit: Renderings by Davis Brody Bond, llc, Courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation.

Update: New York Governor George Pataki says he intends to veto the policy and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he sees the price of admission set aroun $10 or $15 per person, according to the report in the Daily News.

Earlier: Scaled-back WTC Museum plans keep waterfalls
Tribute Center to open near Ground Zero in August
Mayor calls for $500 mln Trade Center Memorial cap
Museum at Ground Zero may charge admission fee

June 23, 2006 08:09 AM in Downtown, Museums

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