Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art will charge a general entry fee for the first time in 25 years, in a drastic reaction to a budget crunch it blames on soaring costs and a contested claim of stagnant government funding.

Entry to the MCA will cost $20 from January 31 next year and $16 for concession cardholders, although it will remain free for people younger than 18 and students. A ticket to the general gallery plus the already-ticketed major summer and winter exhibitions will cost $35, or $28 for concession.