DIA Welcomes Millionth Local Visitor Since Millage Passage

DETROIT (AP) - One million people from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties have visited the Detroit Institute of Arts since a special millage providing funds for the museum's operations was passed.

The museum in Detroit's Midtown announced the attendance milestone Monday and says it represents $5.7 million in admission value to area residents.

Voters in the three counties approved a yearly $23 million property tax millage in 2012 to fund DIA operations for 10 years. Residents receive complimentary general admission to the museum. Adult general admission is $12.50 for nonresidents.

The museum was funded by the city until the 1970s, when state support replaced local funding. That backing eventually disappeared. In 2009, the museum cut its budget from $34 million to about $25 million and shed nearly 20 percent of its employees.

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