National museums in England to remain free for overseas visitors, government confirms

England’s national museums will remain free to enter for overseas visitors after ministers opted against changing the universal free admission policy.

The decision follows months of discussions between the Government, museums, the tourism sector and local leaders to examine whether charging tourists from abroad could boost the institutions’ finances.

In March, ministers said that “charging international visitors at national museums could provide significant benefits” as they pledged to work with the sector to explore options to do so.

It came in response to an independent review published in December by former Labour minister Baroness Margaret Hodge, who said a charging model for international tourists “would align the UK with other countries, such as New Zealand and Singapore, that charge an entry fee to international visitors whilst retaining free entry for citizens and residents”.

However, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed on Tuesday that free admission would remain in place for everyone.

It 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.”

Free entry to museums was introduced by Sir Tony Blair’s government in 2001.

The DCMS said national museums contribute more than £1 billion a year to the economy and attract visitors from around the world, with the Natural History Museum and the British Museum – currently displaying the Bayeux Tapestry – drawing 7.1 million and 6.4 million visitors respectively in 2025.

The Government also pointed to £760 million in funding for museums through its £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund, as well as £600 million in infrastructure funding for national museums.

It said the £13.6 million museum transformation programme would help organisations move towards more sustainable business models, while ministers would work with the Arts Council and the sector on a long-term strategic plan for museums, with further details to be announced.

Mayor of London Lord Sadiq Khan said: “It’s great news that the Government has committed to continuing to keep museums free for everyone.

“London’s museums and galleries are the envy of the world, drawing millions from across the globe and an embodiment of our belief that access to culture is a right, not a privilege.

“By keeping these important venues open to all, we will continue to educate and entertain generations to come and show why we are the culture capital of the world, as we build a fairer, more inclusive London for everyone.”