Three in five small museums fear closure

Three in five small museums fear closure amid worsening financial challenges, according to new research.

In a survey by GoDaddy of museums with annual visitor numbers under 100,000, two-thirds (64%) said the rising cost of living had led to falling attendance.

The venues – which included 40 members of the Kids in Museums network – also reported decreased visitor spend (61%) and fewer donations (58%).

More than half (58%) of respondents said their overall income had not returned to the level it was at before the Covid pandemic.

Amid these challenges, 58% fear closure, and three-quarters (75%) are concerned about the future of the wider sector.

To protect their museum’s future, one in five (22%) have cut back on programming, with a similar proportion (17%) reducing the number of days they open.

Alison Bowyer, the executive director of Kids in Museums, said that this was “the most challenging period for the sector that we have ever seen”. 

“In contrast to many of our European neighbours, footfall hasn’t returned to pre-Covid levels, and museums are contending with many challenges,” she said. “Rising costs, reduced income, and cuts to funding are all adding to the burden.”

“We urge people across the country to visit their local museum this half term and see for themselves that they can have an enjoyable, affordable day out on their doorstep.”