An exploratory study of the implications of free admission to museums and monuments : perceptions and effects on visiting behaviors.

What perceptions of free admission to museums and monuments do French visiting and non-visiting audiences have ? What are the consequences of such perceptions on individuals' perceptions, visit-planning and behavior patterns in museums and monuments ? Research conducted between 2002 and 2003 tried to answer these questions by multiangulation applied to data production and analysis. Results show that free admission alter the perceptions of museums and monuments, it is secondary in planning and implementation of visit-planning, and finally it can spark a learning process from the visit that results in the appropriation of a free admission scheme. Conclusions are related to the need to create involvement toward the visit and communicate on free admission at first.