News
UK breaks boosted by free museums
21 March 2006
Since the scrapping of entry charges to the UK's national museums there has been an increase of 66 per cent in the visitor numbers.
Despite falls in visitor numbers to London's museums following the July bombings four years after charges were dropped five million more visits have been made.
Culture minister David Lammy said: "Like many of our tourist attractions, our museums went through a tough period after the tragic events of 7 July. But it's a testament to their enduring appeal and the quality of experience that they offer that visitor numbers are starting to pick up again.
"What is clear from these figures overall, however, is that our decision to invest in free admission has been a huge success.
"We can be proud of its continuing success and what it means for our country's museums and galleries, and our tourism industry."
Outside London, there has been a 77 per cent increase in visitor numbers.
Visits to National Museums Liverpool, which include the World Museum Liverpool, the Walker Art Gallery and the Museum of Liverpool Life, are up by 129 per cent.
Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry saw 48 per cent more visitors and the National Railway Museum in York had 43 per cent more visitors enjoying its exhibitions.
In London, the V&A welcomed 94 per cent more people, the Natural History Museum was visited by 83 per cent more and the Science Museum's visitor numbers increased by 54 per cent.
© Adfero Ltd
Despite falls in visitor numbers to London's museums following the July bombings four years after charges were dropped five million more visits have been made.
Culture minister David Lammy said: "Like many of our tourist attractions, our museums went through a tough period after the tragic events of 7 July. But it's a testament to their enduring appeal and the quality of experience that they offer that visitor numbers are starting to pick up again.
"What is clear from these figures overall, however, is that our decision to invest in free admission has been a huge success.
"We can be proud of its continuing success and what it means for our country's museums and galleries, and our tourism industry."
Outside London, there has been a 77 per cent increase in visitor numbers.
Visits to National Museums Liverpool, which include the World Museum Liverpool, the Walker Art Gallery and the Museum of Liverpool Life, are up by 129 per cent.
Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry saw 48 per cent more visitors and the National Railway Museum in York had 43 per cent more visitors enjoying its exhibitions.
In London, the V&A welcomed 94 per cent more people, the Natural History Museum was visited by 83 per cent more and the Science Museum's visitor numbers increased by 54 per cent.
© Adfero Ltd
