ISLAMABAD, Dec 24: The National Art Gallery (NAG) has decided to charge entry fee from the visitors from next year.

This is the first time an art gallery has decided to charge viewers of art exhibitions at public sector level.

Art exhibitions and art galleries have yet not become so inviting that art lovers and intellectuals would like to pay to merely look at the paintings, in this country.

According to a press release, the PNCA has pledged to involve art lovers in the promotion and preservation of people’s art heritage displayed at National Art Gallery.

It said starting new year, art connoisseurs will pay the following amount in entrance fee to the gallery: students Rs10, adults Rs70, and foreigners Rs100.

The PNCA justified the entrance fee by saying that it was common practice all over the world to pay an entrance fee when visiting historical sites, museums and art galleries.

It is believed that by making financial contribution to the National Art Gallery will foster a sense of pride towards national art heritage among the people.