The UK's free-to-access museums are the envy of the world. Charging for entry would be a big mistake | Karin Hindsbo

"Twenty-five years ago, the UK made the bold and generous gesture of making its national museums free to all. Suddenly, anyone from anywhere in the world could gaze at iconic works of art by the greatest artists in history without having to pay a penny."

"In the years that followed, this policy proved to be a huge success. It led to a dramatic and sustained increase in audiences. Within the first decade, visits to museums which used to charge rose by 151%."

"These rich artistic holdings are integral to the UK's national identity, fostering a genuine understanding of art, culture and heritage that has the power to bring us all together."

"73% of international tourists cite the cultural offer as the primary reason to visit the UK. Those tourists don't just spend in museum shops and cafes, they also use."

Twenty-five years ago, the UK made national museums free, allowing global access to iconic artworks. This policy led to a significant increase in museum visits, with some institutions seeing visitor numbers rise by over 200%. The cultural collections are vital to the UK's identity and understanding of art and heritage. Proposals to charge international tourists could diminish this access, negatively impacting both tourists and UK citizens, as cultural offerings are a primary reason for visiting the country.

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