This paper considers the theme of audiences' perceptions of free admission in national French
museums and monuments. The results show that, from an individual perspective, perceptions of
free admission are linked to perceptions of price, of money and of payment, hence
complementing perceptions expressed by audiences in a collective perspective (a symbolic,
political, measure, causing adhesion or rejection), perspective generally put forward by advocates
and opponents of the measure in their discussions. This different vision of free admission has
managerial implications for managers of museums and monuments.