Sir Mark Jones, the 73-year-old interim director of the British Museum, has sparked debate by suggesting a radical solution to the institution's funding woes: a £20 entrance fee for tourists.
Jones argues that this fee, while remaining free for Britons and international visitors under 25, is essential to securing the museum's future. He points to the dire state of the museum's aging infrastructure, citing leaking roofs and inadequate space as major concerns. The proposed fee, he says, would fund crucial renovations, expand exhibition areas, and improve visitor facilities.
Furthermore, Jones believes the revenue generated could facilitate the return of artifacts to their countries of origin through loans and partnerships. This move could help address longstanding criticisms of the museum's acquisition practices.
In 2018, Greek television broadcast images of water dripping into the gallery housing the frieze, sculpted relief panels (metopes) and pedimental sculptures stolen from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.
He draws comparisons to other world-renowned institutions like the Louvre (€22), the Acropolis Museum (€15), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art ($30), all of which charge entry fees. The British Museum, he argues, stands out for offering free admission, putting it at a financial disadvantage.
The proposed fee, Jones contends, would also offer additional benefits. Reduced ticket prices for special exhibitions, increased funding for projects beyond London, and better staff wages are all cited as potential outcomes. Additionally, the fee could help manage the overwhelming crowds that often gather outside the museum.
Jones, who previously headed the Victoria and Albert Museum, acknowledges that charging tourists is not ideal. However, he argues that it is the "least bad option" given the current financial constraints and the urgent need for investment in the museum's infrastructure and future.
This proposal has ignited a conversation about the balance between accessibility to cultural heritage and the financial realities of maintaining such institutions. Whether this controversial measure gains traction remains to be seen.
Read more British Museum water leaks risk damaging Parthenon Sculptures
