Open Letter Video Assignment – due 12.6 – The Arts in New York City

New York Hall of Science,

Hello. I first stepped foot inside your walls when I was a little seedling in elementary school, and I have to admit, you were pretty cool—very cool actually. I went back a few years later and I found new things to be fascinated about. I haven’t gone back since, but my friend and I got to talking, and we’d like to take her sisters there. We haven’t visited in eternities, and the girls would have fun. Then I got to thinking, why haven’t I gone back since middle school? I don’t think I outgrew you, but more like you outgrew me. You outgrew my reach.

If we were to go, we’d be a pack of four. My friend and I are college students, so we’ve got college ID, and her sisters are on that 2-17 range. That’s already $52. I don’t work, but my parents do give me a bit of money as an allowance, let’s assume that I go, and only pay for myself. My friend works. She’s usually working Tuesdays, Fridays, and weekends, so she’s making a part time pay check, and she’s working every opportunity for free admission. After she pays for her bills out of her biweekly paycheck, she has about $100 to play around with until her next check. That’s 14 days to live on $7, 6 days of which she can’t spend any money at all, just to cover a $39 admission. And with the way your prices and schedule is set up, that is an unavoidable cost.

Both times I visited, I was driven, either in a school bus or by my parents. I don’t drive now, I don’t go have access to a free bus, and I’m not going to ask my parents, so I’ve got to take public transportation—so we’ve got to take public transportation. That’s another $5.50 for each of us. And since we can only go on a weekday (due to my friend’s work schedule) we wouldn’t need to cover fare for the girls. Because their school metrocards work Monday to Friday, we’d be covered for the days we could go. But this is basically another day Liya (my friend… it’s about time she got a name) would have to live in New York City without spending a dollar (not to be obvious, but that’s pretty difficult for a college student).

In addition to admission into the actual museum, the activities have price tags too. The Science Playground, Rocket Park Mini Golf, and the 3D theater are between $4 and $6. The costs keep adding up. Sure, we could get the movie theater ticket, or the all-inclusive tickets, but those are incredibly pricey too! It seems like there is no winning.

And who could forget? Dinner. There is no doubt in my mind that after even a few hours running around room after room of things you just can’t not touch, I’m sure I’d be hungry… and the girls too. And neither me, nor Liya will take the girls on a 2 hour commute if they are hungry. So, whether we’re eating at the food court, or going to a local stop, that’s undoubtedly $5-$10 at least for each of us. So basically another $30 for Liya to cough up, that’s in addition to $39 and $5.50. Liya has to budget two weeks into $25 if she wants to take the girls to a museum where they can be for 2 hours sandwiched between a 4 hour commute, and a 30 minute meal that will cost her $75. And sure, we could save up, but events and exhibits are constantly changing. By the time we’ve got enough money for a day, we might not be seeing what might’ve been in tune with the girl’s interests two weeks ago.

I’m not saying down with admission, or more free days, or free food, or free buses. Although the last two would be particularly nice, I don’t expect them. I’m expecting though, that you rethink the first two. Everyone understands it costs money to maintain institutions such as the New York Hall of Science. But if you’re able to have some kind of college student discount, I’m sure you could make it even more generous, or at least have occasional promotions. Maybe even send vouchers to middle schools? Something. Also, why not add free hours to a weekday, instead of two free on weekends? Perhaps a Tuesday 2pm-5pm slot?

Regardless of what you decide, you’ll be a cool place. But there are bunches and bunches of kids across the city who haven’t experienced your coolness, and will inadvertently outgrow you. Give them a chance to experience science. Give Liya’s sisters a chance to experience science. The only reason we decided to take them, was a mutual epiphany. We had to work harder for girls to be in STEM, and we had the chance right there to do it. Obviously taking them to a museum one day, isn’t enough, but just planting the seeds can be enough. Help us water the garden.

Maryam Salmanova