I don't know why they sent the announcement at 5 p.m. on a snowy Friday, like they were Deval Patrick putting a Big Dig hack in charge of the state's transportation system or something, but...
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum will let you in free on your birthday beginning Jan. 1. The Gardner, which opened to the public on Jan. 1, 1903 is already free for kids under the age of 18, for museum members, and for anyone named Isabella. Now you too can sample its splendors for free on your birthday, an invitation that includes the Gardner After Hours events if you're so lucky as to have your birthday fall on the third Thursday of a month. That's a $12 ticket normally.
The museum says this bit of largesse is a response to our current economic troubles: "This new Free on your birthday! policy comes at a time when many are struggling in a tough economic climate and in celebration of the cheer and happiness of the holiday season and the start of a new year," said the announcement. "True to Isabella Gardner's mandate that her museum remain for the education and enjoyment of the public forever, the Gardner is committed to increasing public access to the collection and to vibrant exhibitions and programs, now more than ever."
I just sent an email asking if the move was inspired by a noticeable drop in admissions this season, but the museum spokeswoman says, no, tracking pretty much steady.
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