England’s national museums are staying free for everyone

A place to wander, learn something and be surprised. There’s a lot to love about a museum you can walk into for free.

England’s national museums will keep that welcome for everyone, including overseas visitors, after the government ruled out introducing charges for tourists from abroad.

The decision protects free access to permanent collections. Ministers had explored charging to help museum finances, but concluded the effects would be uneven and could also discourage domestic visitors.

There’s a substantial history behind keeping the doors open. Free admission was extended to previously charging national museums in 2001. Over the following decade, visits to those museums in London rose by 151%, government figures show.

Special exhibitions can still carry a charge, and keeping collections free doesn’t remove the cost of caring for them. The government is also providing funding for museum repairs.

For visitors, the benefit is simple: you can pop in for one painting, stay for an afternoon, or come back another day. Curiosity doesn’t need an entrance fee.

Sources

• GOV.UK — National museums to remain free for everyone
• GOV.UK — Ten years of free museums
• Museums Association — ‘Free, forever’: Government rules out entry charges for overseas visitors to national museums
• Natural History Museum — Visit: free galleries and paid exhibitions