World Trade Center Museum will cost 60 million a yr. to operate

[Philosoraptor]

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/462575p-389070c.html

There will be an admission fee, with the possible exception of victims or relatives of victims of nine eleven.

--------------

I understand the argument of not having admission," Spitzer said. "On the other hand, when you look at the operating costs, I don't know of any museum entity that doesn't have some admission charge."

Spitzer left open the door for an exception for 9/11 survivors and relatives of victims.

Suggestion of a fee - only for the museum - sparked controversy when Gretchen Dykstra, then-president of the WTC Memorial Foundation, said in March she would urge the group's board of directors to charge admission "to be fiscally responsible."

The state Legislature later approved a measure that would require the foundation board to make an "irrevocable pledge" to charge no admission, but Pataki vetoed the measure last month.

[flobee1]

1. The USAF Museum

in Dayton' Ohio charges no admission


"On the other hand, when you look at the operating costs, I don't know of any museum entity that doesn't have some admission charge."

Just another example of profiting from tragedy

[Kutjara]

2. Just about every public museum in Britain.

But then, those museums only contain priceless treasures of human history, culture and art. The 9/11 museum, on the other hand will be a 3D, surround sound, high definition, fully interactive pity party, of no interest whatsoever to anyone but the terminally infantile. So charge away, Spitzer, it's not like anyone with an ounce of sense or taste will be visiting. Reap the freepers for all they're worth.

[Philosoraptor]

3. a new cult is born, with a shiny new temple

[Kutjara]

4. Very true, my dear Philo.

I can just imagine hoards of mindless cretins worshiping that atrocity in 2,000 years, long after the true achievements of humanity have been forgotten.

[Swamp Rat]

8. And the meek shall inherit the earth...

Weve taken care of everything
The words you hear, the songs you sing
The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes
Its one for all, all for one
We work together, common sons
Never need to wonder how or why

We are the priests
Of the temples of syrinx
Our great computers
Fill the hollowed halls
We are the priests
Of the temples of syrinx
All the gifts of life
Are held within our walls

Look around this world we made
Equality our stock in trade
Come and join the brotherhood of man
Oh what a wide contented world
Let the banners be unfurled
Hold the red star proudly high in hand

We are the priests
Of the temples of syrinx
Our great computers
Fill the hollowed halls
We are the priests
Of the temples of syrinx
All the gifts of life
Are held within our walls

- Rush

[Lasher]

5. $60M a year seems like a lot for operating costs

Operating costs are usually comprised mostly of employees' compensation. That's 1,200 employees at an average loaded labor rate of $50K a year. Are there going to be that many people working there?

[Philosoraptor]

6. you have to tip the bathroom attendant

and there's parking fees, gift shop with twin towers statuettes to produce, and the nine eleven burger shop to maintain.

[Lasher]

13. Where is this white elephant getting its funding?

Let me guess, the federal government.

[bigscott]

10. a million + EVERY WEEK???

you have got to be fucking kidding me

[displacedtexan]

7. Jeez! The Smithsonian doesn't charge an admission fee.

These people need to get out more.

[ContraBass Black]

9. "I don't know of any museum entity that doesn't have some admission charge

Idiot. The Smithsonian Institute in D.C. is a massive network of museums including a large and active zoo, and there is no admission charge anywhere in it.

[SheilaT]

12. One of the things that often

amazes foreign visitors to this country is that the Smithsonian museums don't charge admission. I believe they never have, even from the very beginning. And they're open 364 days per year. They used to have extended summer hours, but a quick look at their website didn't show that.

I agree, $60M seems incredibly high as operating expenses. And why do we even need such a museum?

[zbdent]

11. Big problem ... extremely high-priced real-estate

and wasting that space on something that won't turn a profit?

Not sure how I would handle that ... boggles the mind.

[Lasher]

14. But wouldn't real estate be a first cost and not part of upkeep?

Surely they're not going to lease the property from a private individual for a government sponsored museum? That would be ridiculous. If it has come to that then I would think that eminent domain would be appropriate.

[zbdent]

15. Yeah, right ... like some rich Republican who probably owns that piece

of real estate is going to "lease" it to the Govt cheap ...