London mayor Sadiq Khan calls for national museums to remain free to enter

London's Mayor Sadiq Khan has joined the conversation surrounding the introduction of admission fees for national museums within the city, advocating for continued free access. In an op-ed for LBC, Khan argues that "art and culture are for everyone—no matter where they’re from, or how much money they earn." He underlines the significance of free museums and galleries as part of London life, highlighting that these institutions became free following the Labour government's decision in 2001.

The mayor points out that visits to London's museums increased by about 151% in the subsequent decade, transforming them into a "third space" for residents. Khan emphasizes that unlike museums in cities like Paris, Rome, and New York, the British model of free admission generates an estimated £1 billion in overseas tourism revenue annually.

He contends that the economic case for free entry is clear, but the intangible value of these cultural spaces cannot be quantified solely in monetary terms. Khan asserts that Britain's national narrative is a global story that should be accessible to all. His stance comes at a critical time, as the UK government is currently considering the introduction of admission charges for overseas visitors to national museums in England, a proposal that has divided museum leaders.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) reignited the debate in response to a review of Arts Council England by Labour peer Margaret Hodge, who published recommendations on the future of the council last December. While some argue that visitor fees could address funding gaps, others believe that charging tourists should be the responsibility of well-off visitors, as opposed to British residents who have already contributed to the funding.