Fans of Welsh heritage and culture, we bear unfortunate tidings. Wales’ deputy culture minister, Dawn Bowden, has admitted that the country’s beloved collection of free national museums could soon charge for entry for the very first time. In the words of the Welsh – ych y fi [gross].
Seven attractions belong to Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales) and they make up some of the region’s top cultural sites. They include the National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans National Museum of History, National Waterfront Museum, Big Pit National Coal Museum, National Slate Museum, National Wool Museum and National Roman Legion Museum. Right now, all of them are free.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but institutions are being encouraged to explore ways of generating more income. Bowden said in a Welsh parliament committee that the move is down to increasing financial pressures on Wales’ arts sector – but that it would be a last resort.
She said: ‘The National Museum really has been one of the jewels in the crown in terms of free access to National Museum sites and it is not something that we would be considering or asking the museum to look at or consider was it not in a critical situation.’
Bowden added: ‘The principle of charging is not something I’m happy with, and if it has to be introduced, it has to be done in a way that those least able to afford, are not excluded.’
Best make the most of the free stuff while you still can! Especially seeing as St Fagans National Museum was recently voted the number one free day out in the whole of the UK, and Big Pit National Coal Museum was crowned the country’s best free museum.
Did you see that this seaside city was named the most relaxed place in the UK?
Plus: The Royal Shakespeare Company is selling loads of cheap tickets right now.
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