In a revolutionary marketing campaign set to match its revolutionary art exhibits, the Frye Art Museum has just announced it will start paying visitors to see its galleries.
While the First Hill museum is known for its free admission, original exhibitions and painting salon, it appears that a zero-dollar transaction is still not enough of an incentive to get people to enter the building.
“We thought, hey, if we pay people to appreciate us, maybe then they’ll finally value us for the world-class art institution we truly are,” said museum board member Abigail Rabadabolis. “Did you see our text? We texted everyone we could about the paid visit campaign, but haven’t heard back from anyone yet. I’m sure you’re all just busy. But can you just text us back when you can? Please?”
The new campaign is set to begin this weekend. Visitors will receive a blank stamp-card upon their arrival, which will be filled in by attendants stationed in each exhibit of the museum. Once a customer has their entire stamp-card filled in, they can redeem it at the front desk in exchange for a ten-dollar bill enclosed in a Papyrus envelope.
Attendants are trained to ensure each customer is actually appreciating the art, and not just entering the exhibit to earn a stamp.
“We don’t want you to come just because we asked you to come,” said volunteer attendant Jake Hodge. “We want you to want to come.”
Central District resident Hal Sombreberg, who lives within walking distance of the museum, said he’d consider it as an option now that it’s paying visitors.
“I mean, like, $10 doesn’t even cover half the ticket I bought for the Seattle Art Museum last month or the MoPop exhibit I’m going to next month,” said Sombreberg. “But, yeah, I’ll think about it.”
