Government heralds success of free entry to museums

Figures released by the department of culture,media and sport this week show that eight of the top ten UK visitor attractions are free sponsored national museums, with around 18 million annual visits to museums and galleries that used to charge an entrance fee.

Visits to former charging sponsored museums in London increased by 151 per cent between 2000-01 and 2010/11.

Visits to the National Maritime Museum were up 204 per cent, the Natural History Museum by 187 per cent and the V&A by 180 per cent.

In Manchester,visits to the Museum of Science and Industry were up by 122 per cent whilst in Liverpool,visits to the National Museums Liverpool were up by 269 per cent

Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt said:

“We have the finest museums and galleries in the world. But unlike other major capital cities, they are free to visit in this country. The range of items on display is breath-taking, from world famous paintings to amazing discoveries from the natural world. All of this, free of charge, for anyone to visit as often as they like.

“Our free museums and galleries ensure that culture is for everyone, not just the lucky few. I am particularly proud that we have secured the future of free museums despite the current financial climate.”

Director of the Tate Sir Nicholas Serota said:

“Across the world, the success of free admission to National museums is regarded as a model in making available the treasures we all own to the widest possible audience. The government is to be congratulated on maintaining this principle at a time of constraint.”

According to VisitBritain, Britain's major museums and galleries earn the country £1 billion a year in revenue from overseas tourists. A recent report on Britain’s culture and heritage shows that museums and galleries are a key motivator for many international visitors to Britain, with free world-class national museums and art galleries a particular draw.

Government's plan B-Turn the country into a tourist park

So the government has decided that as the country is incapable of producing growth through conventional means it has decided that the country will become a tourist park.

David Cameron is to announce later today in New York a new drive to maximise the economic potential of the London Olympic Games and use it to promote Britain abroad as a place to visit and do business.

According to the press release he will say that

the Government was determined to 'seize this unprecedented opportunity' to ensure that London 2012 delivered a 'lasting economic legacy' for the whole country, boosting investment, jobs and growth.



Tourism,adds the release, will be a key part of the campaign, with the Government aiming to attract an additional 4m visitors to the UK over the next four years. Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics.

Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt said: “With the eyes of the world on Britain in 2012, we have a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything that the country has to offer. The GREAT campaign will ensure that we make the most of London 2012 to boost tourism and business, leaving a lasting economic legacy from London’s Games.”