Free admission to museums and galleries 'a spectacular success'

IFACCA/Artshub,
24 January 2002, United Kingdom

The introduction of free admission to national museums and galleries has been an enormous popular success, says Tessa Jowell, UK Culture Secretary, in response to recently released figures showing that during the first month of free admission visitor numbers doubled on average compared with the same period last year. The data indicated that charges had been acting as a restraint to many people attending the nation's cultural institutions, she said, particularly families. 'Now everyone has the chance to visit as and when they choose, be it for the better part of a day, a lunchtime or just to pop in and see a favourite object or painting. Visiting a national museum, like going to a park or taking a stroll, can once again be one of life's free pleasures.' 'Free admission has democratised the nation's treasures making them accessible to all. That has to be good for our children, for students and for those who simply want to enjoy these wonderful exhibits. Given the enormous improvements that have been made to many of the former charging museums in recent years, it is particularly satisfying that we have been able to introduce free admission now. To take just one example, two adults visiting the new British Galleries at the V&A would have had to pay £10.00 before free admission. Now they can see exhibits without incurring any financial charge.' Attendance figures for the UK's main national museums and galleries were, as follows – Imperial War Museum: 44,046 (Dec 2001); 31,145 (Dec 2000) Victoria and Albert Museum: 174,249 (Dec 2001); 42,623 (Dec 2000) Natural History Museum: 163,487 (Dec 2001); 89,650 (Dec 2000) National Museum of Science and Industry (incorporating the Science Museum in London and the National Railway Museum in York): 146,856 (Dec 2001); 88,603 (Dec 2000) Royal Armouries at Leeds and Fort Nelson: 18,734 (Dec 2001); 7,365 (Dec 2000) National Maritime Museum in Greenwich: 52,714 (Dec 2001); 33,446 (Dec 2000) Museum of London in London: 24,408 (Dec 2001); 12,965 (Dec 2000) Museums of Science and Industry in Manchester: 12,293 (Dec 2001); 7,022 (Dec 2000) National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside: 36,214 (Dec 2001); 23,214 (Dec 2000) Free admission was introduced for London's Victoria & Albert Museum on 22 November, and for all other government-sponsored museums on 1 December 2001.