So say the plaintiffs in Grunewald v The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NY Sup Ct, filed 8 November 2012). They argue that under the terms of the museum's governing legislation and its virtually rent-free lease from the city, it is required to admit visitors free of charge. If you've ever been to the Metropolitan, you will have seen (but perhaps not read) the signs at the cashiers saying that the stated admission charges are merely 'recommended'. Grunewald et al. allege that the 'recommended' bit isn't prominently displayed, the fact of herding people into queues for the cash desks suggests the fees are mandatory, and the museum's wording on various ticket websites (its own included) also fraudulently conveys the message that payment of an admission fee is required for entry. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief but not disgorgement of profits.
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