A new permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is already making its own history as the first to require entrance fees. One part of Butterflies and Plants: Partners in Evolution, planned to open in November, will cost visitors about $5. Much of the exhibit will be free, but an admission fee will be attached to a two-tier butterfly pavilion, similar to New York’s American Museum of Natural History butterfly habitat.

We’re not terribly surprised that the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents approved a modest entrance fee to raise the $900,000 per year needed to keep the climate-controlled pavilion up and running. The project is ambitious and the museums are a constant source of high-quality, free exhibits, art and entertainment. In recent years the Smithsonian has faced serious financial woes, due to mismanagement and cuts in Congressional funding.

Last year we criticized some of the corporate sponsorships that help keep the museums afloat as well as proposed entrance fees. The reality that Congress isn’t rushing in to save these cultural treasures leaves the Smithsonian in a bit of a bind. In order to maintain the American legacy and keep the exhibits up-to-date and relevant, is it offensive to discuss the risks and benefits of creating a more self-sustaining economic model? Already the museums host IMAX theaters and those hefty ticket prices raise few objections that they endanger the message that America’s cultural and history are free to all.

Fox 5 reported this morning that Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton planned to hold hearing on the issue. Reaction on the Hill to the news was mixed, with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), saying she supports the idea and Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) challenging the Smithsonian to cut waste before instituting admission fees. Frankly, we’re just happy no mud slinging is going on over the inclusion of “evolution” in the title of this ambitious project.

Photo by Flickr user LaTur.