The government is exploring the possibility of charging international tourists to access permanent collections at national museums in England, as part of a broader effort to improve arts funding. The proposal was outlined in the government’s response to a review of Arts Council England, which also considered a hotel levy as an alternative funding mechanism.
Alison Cole, director of the Cultural Policy Unit thinktank, criticised the idea, calling it a “very bad idea” and advocating for a hotel levy instead. Since 2001, entry to national museums and galleries has been free for all visitors, a policy credited with boosting tourism numbers. The Treasury had previously considered ending free entry in the November 2025 budget but scrapped the plan after pushback from culture ministers.
Separate research by Art Fund found that 72% of the public supported a tourist levy to subsidise free entry. The government’s response also addressed recommendations from Margaret Hodge’s Arts Council England review, including protecting funding from politicisation, simplifying application processes, and investing £8m to ease administrative burdens.
Other measures include a new fund targeting creatives with fewer opportunities, £2m investment in regional arts, and reintroduction of regional arts boards. Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, said the organisation would streamline processes over the next six months and explore new funding models, including commercial-style investments and philanthropy.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasised the need for equal distribution of cultural benefits, stating: “For far too long, the benefits of culture have not been equally distributed.” She committed to a reformed, independent Arts Council focused on reaching and inspiring young people from all backgrounds.
