THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, April 16, 1996 TAG: 9604160297
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALEX MARSHALL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
Getting into Nauticus soon will be more expensive, but a visit might actually be cheaper once the attraction changes its pricing policy.
General admission for Nauticus will rise to $10.95 on Monday - from the current $7.50.
But the admission will include access to the AEGIS theater, The Living Sea and Virtual Adventures, the flashiest attractions inside the museum on the Elizabeth River.
Now, visiting each special attraction costs an additional $2.50, or an all-inclusive ticket is available for $14.
The new ticket prices are a response to the extensive citizen outreach done last December and January, said the new Nauticus director, David T. Guernsey. Almost 90 percent of those surveyed preferred buying one ticket that included everything.
The museum is battling to increase attendance and revenue. Total attendance last year was 280,000 people, substantially less than in the museum's first year, which had already fallen short of initial projections.
The museum has also simplified its membership policies and prices. A new family membership has been instituted, at $60, and individuals can buy an annual membership for $30.
A membership gains free admission to Nauticus for a year and into some related science centers around the country.
A play area for small children has been opened on the third floor, and the museum has renamed its restaurant The Galley, (formerly Ray's Cafe), and taken over operation from Marriott food services. ILLUSTRATION: FILE PHOTO
The museum is trying to increase revenue and attendance. Last year's
attendance was far less than even the first year's.
NEW ADMISSION PRICES FOR NAUTICUS, EFFECTIVE MONDAY
Adults: $10.95
Senior citizens, military personnel and AAA members: $9.95
Children, 6 to 16 years: $7.95
Children under 6 years: Free
by CNB