Washington's Newseum attracts more than 700,000 in its first year

The attendance figure is a significant increase over the 480,000 visitors who came to the museum's final year in its old location in Arlington, Va.

“The museum has exceeded my expectations in so many ways,” said Charles Overby, chairman and chief executive. “I always said I wanted the first year to surpass our best year in Arlington.”

The Newseum, which opened a year ago Saturday, has experienced some bumps. Its endowment declined by one-third, and Overby said that forced them to cut the budget from US$40 million to US$33 million and to reduce the staff. The museum added 100 people in the months leading up to the opening. “Operationally, we have learned the numbers we needed. We offered buyouts and had 30 people leave. Now we have 220 full-time employees,” Overby said.

The Newseum moved to Washington to increase its foot traffic, with the goal of educating visitors to the history of the news and the value of the First Amendment. Its exhibits range from the serious milestones of newsgathering to stations where people can do their own broadcast stand-ups. There are interactive features and big screens that show past news events — and current news as it unfolds.

When the museum opened, the US$20 adult admission charge caused some controversy. In the first months, officials broadened the ages for the children's admission fee but kept the US$20 for adults. Of the entrance fee, Overby said: “We know a large group of people will not come because it is not their thing and they don't want to spend the money. But we don't receive any government tax money. We have a different operating principle.” Nearby Smithsonian museums do not charge admission.

The income streams for the Newseum include its admissions, facility rentals and gift shops, as well as the 135 apartments attached to the main building, and the high-end restaurant run by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck.

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