Who needs an art museum when there’s a Museum of Ice Cream in town?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Despite its name, the Museum of Ice Cream, a for-profit amusement centre, has more in common with entertainment restaurant chain Chuck E. Cheese than an educational institution.
PHOTO: HIROKO MASUIKE/NYTIMES
Zachary Small and Tim F. Schneider
- The Museum of Ice Cream and similar immersive venues attract more visitors than traditional museums by offering fun, interactive experiences and charging premium ticket prices.
- Traditional museums face declining revenue and attendance, prompting them to create new family-focused and interactive spaces to stay relevant.
- Experts say museums must engage children and families to ensure long-term survival, while recognising the need to preserve art beyond commercial appeal.
AI generated
NEW YORK – Critics mocked its sprinkle pool and banana room. They laughed at its meagre presentation of sugary memorabilia, like a re-creation of Fudgie the Whale.
But while many traditional museums are suffering from low tourism and high overhead costs, the Museum of Ice Cream is expanding its audience and charging as much as US$89 (S$115) for a VIP (Very Important Popsicle) ticket.