Almost all the museums in Shanghai will be open free of charge from tomorrow through Sunday to commemorate International Museum Day.

The 91 museums include the China Maritime Museum and Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum that normally charge 50 yuan (US$7.9) for tickets. The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, with a normal ticket price of 60 yuan, will offer a half-off discount.

At the former World Expo site along the Huangpu River, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, Italian Center (former Italy Pavilion) and the Expo Memorial Exhibition that cost a total of 150 yuan on tickets will offer admission at half-price - but only on Saturday.

Some 70 local museums, including the Shanghai Museum, already offer regular free admission.

Many locals have questioned why all the city's museums cannot be free since the city government has set special funds to aid them, especially private museums. The fund will provide 10 million yuan annually to subsidize private museums' daily operation, exhibition and research work.

But owners of the private museums said the fund is inadequate and called on enterprises to join in by setting up industry museums for the public.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)