Well, our system of gov't doesn;t provide for support of the arts - which almost every other country does - so the prices for museums tend to be high. My point of view is that if you able to pay $12 for a trashy movie you will have forgotten 5 minutes after you leave, or $100+ for a broadway show, you can certainly pay $20 for the Met.

Obviously students and those for whom the cost is a real hardship should feel free to pay less. And if you're going to be visiting several days in a row I would probably pay full fare the first day and a reduced rate for the others.

But - I think those that can have a responsibility for pay the full cost in order to see the greatest cultural institution in the western hemisphere.

Yes, flyme2, Most NYC museums offer a pay-what-you wish night, a brief brief afternoon and evening hours one day a week. As you can imagine, those times can be crowded. A few museums, like the Met, are "suggested admission" (pay-what-you-wish) at all times.