09/03/2004

Visits to UK museums rise by 11m from 2001

More people are taking advantage of free admission to museums and galleries in England, according to new figures out today.

Visits have risen by nearly 11 million since the introduction of the free admissions policy in December 2001. There were 5.3 million extra visitors in the first year, and an extra 5.6 million last year.

The government has claimed that its investment has led to 13.3 million people visiting the former charging museums last year. Only 7.7 million went when they had to pay, Arts Minister Estelle Morris said.

"Our national museums and galleries have an international reputation for excellence and innovation. That they are free for all is something that is the envy of the world. We are determined to continue this policy for the benefit of everyone," Ms Morris said.

Over the last two years, visits to the Science Museum have increased by 120%, to the V&A by 117%, and to the Natural History Museum by 74%.

Outside London, visits to the former charging museums have also soared. Visits to the National Museums Liverpool have increased by 106%, the National Railway Museum in York has seen a 38% rise, and at the Royal Armouries in Leeds visits have have gone up by 22%.

Estelle Morris said the figures show that when obstacles like admission charges were removed, the public had a "huge and growing appetite" for the best of the country's cultural heritage.

(gmcg)

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