The Confusing Price of Enjoying Art
Advertised admission prices are not what they appear.
Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Recommended” Admission Price
In February 2016, the parties in a deceptive advertising class-action lawsuit against The Metropolitan Museum of Art moved for preliminary approval of a settlement agreement. The complaint, which was filed in 2013, alleges that the museum’s marketing misleadingly makes visitors think they need to pay the “recommended admission” when, in reality, visitors can pay whatever amount they choose. In the proposed settlement, the museum has agreed to make changes to various marketing materials, including signs at the admission desks, website, and self-service ticket kiosks. More specifically, the museum has agreed to:
- Replace the phrase “recommended admission” with “suggested admission,”
- Add the phrase “The amount you pay is up to you,” and
- Change the placement and font size of words (i.e., the words “suggested” and “admission” will be the same size).
(Saska et al v. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Case No. 650775/2013, New York Supreme Court — Manhattan)
Another lawsuit making similar allegations remains pending. (Grunewald et al v. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Case No. 158002/2012, New York Supreme Court – Manhattan)
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