When the triple-play exhibitions of James Turrell this year are over — at LACMA (through Apr. 6, 2014), the Guggenheim (through Sept. 25), and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (through Sept. 22) — I wonder how the economics will all play out.
All are critical and (I’ve heard) popular hits, and my question was prompted by the announcement from the Guggenheim last week that it was holdings private evening viewings (one picture of what they’ll see is at left) exclusively for members — but charging them for the privilege. These “member-exclusive Quiet Views” cost $15. They are set for August 12, August 19, September 9, and September 23, and each will have two “sittings,” the first starting at 7:30 pm and the second at 9 pm. More details are here.
I can’t recall a similar situation. According to people I know who’ve gone to the show (I haven’t had the opportunity yet), at some times there are lines around the block, and at others, there’s no line at all. There are limits to the numbers in the museum at one time, though, so perhaps the Quiet Views are one way to recoup some lost money — though I have no idea about the added expenses to offer them.
At LACMA, meanwhile, which has had to limit the crowd at any one time because of the nature of the works, it’s fairly easy to purchase the timed tickets any day I tried. On the other hand, tickets to his two immersive artworks, Light Reignfall from his Perceptual Cell series and Dark Matters from his series titled Dark Spaces, are sold out for the run of the exhibit. They cost $45 to general public and $15 for members, far more than the main show, which is $25 for adults and free to members.
At MFAH, it’s better to reserve tickets in advance — they are timed — but not essential if you arrive when there’s room.
So, popularity versus limits on attendance. I’d bet that LACMA’s and the Guggenheim’s shows are expensive; they occupy huge spaces in the museum, and they cost a lot to build. The MFAH’s — which consists of works it already owned — probably less so.* Its tunnel, the largest piece in the show there, I think, was already installed.
But I am glad that the museums are paying attention to the needs of visitors, and the demands of the art works, by limiting attendance — even if it means they need to seek more support from donors to mount these shows.
If you can’t get to any of these exhibits, you might take a look at the Guggenheim’s video or MFAH’s video preview (scroll down a bit).
*UPDATE: Someone who has seen the Houston exhibition informs me that MFAH has turned over large spaces to the Turrell show there as well — so its costs are probably also very high (except, as I mentioned, the tunnel was and remains in place).
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Guggenheim