Big crowds also mean that fragile works of art are subject to more stress from moisture and carbon dioxide, not to mention damage by touching, and so on. Museums must employ more staff laboring in a stressful environment, and the government must not only replace the ticket revenues but actually spend more money to handle the larger crowds.

The newly renovated National Museum of China, set to officially reopen on April 1 as the largest museum in the world, shows what can be done if money is no object.

They have done everything imaginable to build a 21st century museum, including a purpose-built media studio to produce materials in-house. But such plentiful resources come at a price: The new museum's renovation budget is 2.5 billion yuan ($400 million)!

Nevertheless, I think such expenditures and the free-admission policy is the absolute right thing to do and worth every last penny. Art and culture give people enjoyment, and the experience is different for each person based on individual backgrounds.

Perhaps a child will be inspired to be China's next great artist. Maybe a great-grandmother who has lived through the momentous events of modern Chinese history will find meaning, comfort and joy in the richness of ancient and modern Chinese art.

When I lived in New York, one of my greatest pleasures was walking over to the Metropolitan Museum, now the world's second largest museum after the National Museum of China. Even an hour there was invigorating.

When I lived in Washington, I thought the greatest attraction was the free admissions to the world class Smithsonian museums.

And just as these promote US soft power to millions at home and abroad, the new free-admission policy will do the same.

It's money well spent for Chinese and foreigners and even with all the potential difficulties, is a great bargain for which the government should be loudly applauded.

The author is former director and vice president at ABC Television. He spends most of his time in Beijing now working on media projects. hdzodin@hotmail.com