culture

March 29, 2026

The UK’s free-to-access museums are the envy of the world. Charging for entry would be a big mistake

There are better ways to raise money than jeopardising a model that draws visitors to Britain and has huge benefits for the wider economy

The UK’s free-to-access museums are the envy of the world. Charging for entry would be a big mistake

TL;DR

  • The UK's policy of free national museum access, established 25 years ago, has led to a significant increase in visitors and is admired globally.
  • Charging international tourists could harm the UK's cultural appeal, with 73% of tourists citing culture as a primary reason for visiting.
  • The economic benefits of free museums extend beyond ticket sales to local restaurants, hotels, and transport.
  • The mission of institutions like Tate is to increase public enjoyment and understanding of art, which is best achieved through universal free admission.
  • A hotel levy, as used in cities like Paris and New York, could raise significant funds for museums without deterring visitors.

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