Rising costs force local museum to cut opening hours and staffing

The Museum of Cambridge has announced it will reduce its opening hours and staff numbers by one third in a bid to cut 60% of its running costs this year.

The independent museum, which is based in the 17^th-century White Horse Inn just outside the city centre, is currently open every day other than Tuesday, but from the end of March it will also stayed closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. During school holidays, it will open on Thursdays to meet demand from local families and holidaymakers.

Alex Smaridge, who was appointed as director of the museum last summer, said it will also restructure its staff, including her role moving from full to part-time.

The museum has two full-time and three part-time members of staff, and the changes will see the other full-time role made redundant.

One of the part-time roles, in finance and admin, is currently vacant and that role will also be removed. A new part-time volunteer and operations role will be created.

“Although this is something we would rather not have to do, increasing closure days at this time gives us an opportunity to act strategically and focus on what we do next, to ensure the long-term future of the museum,” Smaridge said.

“We are independent, and like many museums in the sector, we are facing rising operational costs and reduced footfall.

“We are working hard and looking forward to having events and activities on during the school holidays and making sure that everyone in Cambridge can continue to explore their local history.”

The museum's financial statement ending 31 March 2025 states that 63% of its income during the year was from restricted income.

“This reliance on grant income in order to be able to operate is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future, and is further challenged by reduced numbers of potential funders and more competitive funding landscape,” the trustees note.

However, the report also details significant efforts undertaken to engage with local communities through temporary exhibitions, a programme of talks and family-focused activity days.

Income from ticket sales was £45,000 during the year; while visitor numbers are improving, attendance is still “volatile” and reliant on the weather, tourism and local competition.

The Museum of Cambridge also focused on growing its commercial offer, with £7,050 generated through venue hire and £19,700 through retail sales. But income from individual giving fell by over three quarters to £10,800, leading the museum to develop new campaigns to encourage donations and engagement.

Roger Lilley, the museum’s chair of trustees, said that in the face of these challenges and increased costs, it was the right time to assess its strategy.

“We remain grateful to the support of our donors and funders,” Lilley said. “Most importantly, we’d like to reassure everyone that they will still be able to access the museum, attend our events and learn about their local history.”