British Museum: Free Entry for Now, But is a Change Brewing?

The British Museum, a treasure trove of history and culture, has long been a champion of free entry. But with whispers of potential changes, here’s what you need to know as a future visitor.

Free Entry for All (for Now)

The good news? As of July 2024, entry to the permanent collections at the British Museum remains absolutely free. This means you can explore mummies from ancient Egypt, marvel at the Rosetta Stone, and wander through countless other exhibits without spending a penny. Non-members are however charged to view special exhibitions.

The Fee Debate

There have been occasional suggestions to implement an entrance fee, particularly for tourists. Sir Mark Jones, the former interim director, proposed a £20 fee as reasonable charge for tourists to generate additional revenue for the museum. Such would help fund improvements, expand collections, and offer more exciting exhibitions.

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Speaking to the Sunday Times, Sir Mark expressed  the need to expand space for the museum, a plan that would require money. ‘The money has to come from somewhere, either a major part of the funding has to be found out of taxation, which is difficult as the public finances are very stressed, or we need to reasonably charge (tourists),’ he stated.

While the free entry model seems to be holding strong for now, it’s always a good idea to stay updated on the museum’s website before your visit. They do recommend booking free timed tickets to manage visitor flow, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone.