Public poll shows strong support for tourist tax to keep national museums free

Nearly three quarters of people say they would support a new tourist tax to help keep free admission at national museums and provide more funding for struggling institutions.

A ring-fenced tourist tax was one of several measures recommended in Baroness Hodge's Arts Council England review published last December.

She also suggested that international visitors could be charged entrance fees at national museums and galleries once ID cards are the norm. In its response to the Hodge review this week, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed that ministers will consider this option.

New research commissioned by the national art charity Art Fund shows that 72% of members of the public surveyed believe that ringfenced revenue from a potential tourist tax should be used to help keep free admission at national museums.

However, the poll found that there was not support for charging tourists an entrance fee to visit venues such as the British Museum or the Museum of Liverpool, as this would require every visitors to show ID. Only 49% of those who struggle to make ends meet always carry ID, Art Fund said.  

The research found that 76% of people felt that the government should maintain or increase funding for national museums.

“Our free national museums are one of the great success stories of UK cultural policy – opening up world-class collections to everyone, driving tourism, and enriching millions of lives every year,” said Jenny Waldman, the director of Art Fund.

“But they need additional funding in the face of rising costs and declining grant-in-aid.  

“It is striking that the public does not want museums to start charging tourists but supports using a tourist levy. A levy, with some funds ringfenced, is a simpler way to deliver funding to keep the national museums free for everyone and ensure they continue to make the UK such a vibrant tourist destination.”  

Free entry for all

This December marks 25 years since the universal free admission policy came into effect in 2001. Within the first 10 years, the policy saw visits to formerly charging museums rise by 151%, with increases of more than 180% at the Natural History Museum and V&A, and 269% at National Museums Liverpool. 

Art Fund’s research shows that two in five Britons (41%) visit a national museum at least once a year.  

Alison Cole, director of the Cultural Policy Unit, said: "The free admission policy is one of our country’s unique achievements, and one that is widely admired by cultural leaders across the world.

“It has not only made our museums dynamic, responsive and publicly accountable, but it also speaks to our values as a tolerant, diverse and welcoming society, where access to culture is a right for all.

"Most importantly, it ensures our museums are treated as pillars of education and inspiration for everyone, not just as visitor attractions for those who can afford to pay.”