Visiting New York's biggest art museum is about to get more expensive. The Metropolitan Museum of Art said this week that it is raising its recommended admission by $5 to $25 starting July 1.While paying the full amount is technically optional, the new price makes the Met the most expensive art museum for visitors in New York.

The museum said in a release that it "faces a number of daunting, ongoing budgetary challenges" and that "income from our endowment has flattened, the average visitor contribution at the door is lower, and public sector operating support has fallen."

The new $25 recommended admission applies for adults. The recommended price for seniors and students will rise to $17  and $12, respectively, from $15 and $10. Children under 12 will still be able to get in free of charge. The Met said this is the first ticket hike in five years.

Earlier this week, the Met announced that its special exhibition devoted to Alexander McQueen will be open Mondays for people willing to pay $50 for admission.