National museums to remain free for all visitors

SINGAPORE, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

The United Kingdom has confirmed that its national museums will remain free for all visitors, including overseas tourists, after a decision by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to abandon plans to charge foreign visitors.

The policy change comes after the DCMS said that any potential benefits of charging would not be felt equally across the museum sector and that a fee could deter domestic visitors. The spokesperson added that the impact on the economy would be uneven, with some institutions benefiting more than others. The decision therefore keeps the universal free admission policy that has been in place since 2001 unchanged.

The UK’s 15 national museums, 12 of which are located in London, have long been a cornerstone of the country’s cultural heritage and tourism industry. The Natural History Museum and the British Museum alone attracted 7.1 million and 6.4 million visitors respectively in 2025, according to the DCMS. The museums collectively contribute more than £1 billion a year to the economy, a figure that the department highlighted in its statement.

The idea of charging overseas visitors was first raised by the government in March, when ministers said they would explore the possibility as part of a broader effort to address funding pressures on the sector. The proposal was also examined in a review published last year by former Labour minister Baroness Margaret Hodge, who suggested that a charging model for international tourists “would align the UK with other countries, such as New Zealand and Singapore”.

The review was not adopted, but the discussion continued in parliamentary committees and industry forums.

In its final statement, the DCMS said: “The government believes that charging overseas visitors could deter domestic visitors and that the impacts and benefits of charging would not be felt equally across the sector and therefore will not introduce charges for overseas visitors.” The spokesperson also noted that the museums already receive significant public funding, including £760 million from the £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund and £600 million earmarked for infrastructure.

In addition, a £13.6 million museum transformation programme will help organisations move towards more sustainable business models.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed the decision, saying: “Our museums are the places that light up the world. That’s why they must be free, forever, for everyone to access.” Her statement echoed the sentiment of museum leaders who have long championed free entry as a public good.

Dr Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, said that while his institution would have benefited from charging, the sector as a whole would have lost out. “Free museums aren’t a cost to the economy – they’re a key reason the economy benefits from tourism in the first place,” he said.

“So, we’re delighted to remain free but given the visitors we bring there’s a strong case for reinvesting a share of any tourism revenues in the institutions that help attract them.”

Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, added: “When the British Museum was founded as the world’s first public national museum in 1753 it was to be free for ‘all persons’. So, we are delighted by the government’s announcement that free entry for all will be maintained. This will allow everyone to enjoy and have access to our great museums across the nation as one of the things this country does so brilliantly.”

The government also said that ministers would work with the Arts Council and the sector on a long‑term strategic plan for museums, with further details to be announced. The plan is expected to build on the existing funding streams and the transformation programme to ensure the sector remains financially viable while continuing to offer free access to the public.

The decision is likely to have implications for the wider tourism industry. By keeping museums free, the UK maintains a competitive edge over other destinations that charge for entry, potentially boosting visitor numbers and supporting ancillary spending on accommodation, transport and retail. The DCMS’s emphasis on the economic contribution of museums underscores the sector’s role as a driver of tourism revenue.

In the broader context of cultural policy, the move reflects a continued commitment to public access and the belief that museums serve a national interest. It also signals that the government is prioritising the preservation of free cultural experiences over short‑term revenue generation.

The announcement comes at a time when the UK is seeking to balance fiscal pressures with cultural investment. The Arts Everywhere Fund, the infrastructure investment and the transformation programme are all part of a broader strategy to support the arts and heritage sector. By reaffirming free admission, the government is reinforcing its stance that cultural institutions should remain accessible to all, regardless of nationality or income.

The final word from the DCMS was that the policy will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future, with no plans to introduce charges for overseas visitors. The decision was made after consultations with museum leaders, tourism bodies and local authorities, and reflects a consensus that free entry is essential for maintaining the sector’s economic and cultural vitality.

Related: Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)