The challenge
In the 1980s, “the UK’s national museums faced political pressure from the Conservative government to charge for admission, to make them less dependent on government funding".
Explore hundreds of museums, galleries and historic
places across the UK.
Your support is vital and helps the Museum to share
the collection with the world.
Curator Peter Loovers explores the special relationship between
Arctic Peoples and 'man's best friend'.
From 27 August
Thursday – Sunday: 11.00-19.00
Some exhibitions and events carry
a separate charge
Join Now and Book Online
Cromwell New Street Road
London, SW7 2RL
15 August – 31 October 2020
15 August – 31 October 2020
15 August – 31 October 2020
In the 1980s, “the UK’s national museums faced political pressure from the Conservative government to charge for admission, to make them less dependent on government funding".
In 1997, the new Labour government made a commitment to reinstate free entry for national museums in order to have a more diverse range of visitors. “Following a campaign led by the museums themselves,
The national museums which dropped charges all saw substantial increases to their visitor numbers, an average of 70 percent. In the first year after free admission was introduced visitor figures.
Your safety is our first priority. Entry to the National Maritime Museum is still free, but to help us ensure social distancing.
Learn MoreExhibition curator Venetia Porter presents this new exhibition of works by artists from Iran to Morocco drawn from the Museum collection.
Learn MoreTake a look at our past exhibitions and enjoy the articles, videos and photo galleries still available to view online.
Learn More