We advocate for and support museums and everyone who works in and with them.
We collaborate with partners to make the case for investment in museums to politicians, stakeholders and funders in all four nations of the UK so that the value and impact of museums and their collections is realised.
To demonstrate their immense impact, we’ve pulled together some statistics on the critical importance of museums to our communities and our economy.
Across the UK
76%
of UK adults think having a local museum adds value to their area
63%
of UK adults have visited museums or galleries to deal with stress and anxiety
48%
of UK adults (c.21 million people) make in-person visits to museums at least once a year
Nearly £900m
was contributed to the UK economy by independent museums in 2023, directly or indirectly
In England
10.4 million
visits to DCMS-sponsored museums and galleries between October and December 2025
In Northern Ireland
70%
of museums in Northern Ireland are undertaking at least one type of social impact work
Over 29,000
formal education visits to museums in Northern Ireland in 2022/23, from early years to university level
In Scotland
15.4 million
visits to museums in Scotland in 2023/24
£115.1m
direct, indirect and induced Gross Value Added is generated within the museum sector and its supply chain
8 in 10
people in Scotland say arts and culture, including museums and galleries, are an important part of national identity
In Wales
Nearly 4 in 5
people in Wales (79%) say arts and culture, including museums and galleries, are an important part of national identity
74%
of Welsh people want to maintain or increase funding for Welsh museums and galleries
Sources
UK
- 76% of UK adults think having a local museum adds value to their area
- 63% of UK adults have visited museums or galleries to deal with stress and anxiety
- 48% of UK adults (c.21 million people) make in-person visits to museums at least once a year
- Nearly £900m was contributed to UK economy by independent museums in 2023, directly or indirectly
England
Northern Ireland
- 70% of museums in Northern Ireland are undertaking at least one type of social impact work
- Over 29,000 formal education visits to museums in Northern Ireland in 2022/23, from early years to university level
Scotland
- 15.4 million visits to museums in Scotland in 2023/24
- £115.1m direct, indirect and induced Gross Value Added is generated within the museums sector and its supply chain
- 8 in 10 people in Scotland say arts and culture, including museums and galleries, are an important part of national identity
Wales