UK Government Considers Charging Foreign Tourists for Museum Access

The UK government is considering a policy change that would require foreign tourists to pay for access to permanent collections in museums, marking the first time such fees would be implemented for non-residents. This proposal was reported on March 27, 2026, by journalist Camille Pecoroni in Le Journal des Arts. The move represents a significant shift from the current free admission model for many UK museums. In related museum news, the Natural History Museum in London has experienced a surge in attendance, setting new visitor records despite many cultural institutions struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels. This growth contrasts with trends at neighboring museums. Additionally, the city of Belfort plans to open a new art museum in late 2026, which will consolidate permanent collections, graphic arts, and temporary exhibitions in one facility. In Venice, the central pavilion at the Giardini, which hosts one of two international exhibitions for the Venice Biennale, has been reconfigured after 16 months of renovation work, completed by March 26, 2026. These developments reflect ongoing changes in museum access, infrastructure, and attendance patterns across Europe.