British Museum plans to keep entry free

The Director of the British Museum, Nicholas Cullinan, has said he plans to keep the institution free to all visitors.

Speaking to The Times, Cullinan, who took up post in June, said: “Free admission is one big reason why I have stayed in this country. It makes our museums very special.

"That said, it doesn’t mean museums shouldn’t be constantly thinking about how to earn income and be as self-sufficient as possible. But they already are doing that. Most museums are funded primarily by themselves, not the taxpayer.”

Discussing a slate of planned renovations, rebuilds and an innovative digital database, estimated to cost a total of at least £1bn, Cullinan said: "Luckily, I enjoy fundraising. But this is obviously quite a challenge.”

With £50m of funding secured from BP, Cullinan spoke of accepting money from controversial donors: “I think the debate has changed, but what hasn’t changed are the two criteria against which you weigh up donations and sponsorship.” 

“One is: was the money legally acquired? The other is: will accepting it cause us reputational damage? I think you have to have very good, clear reasons for turning down money that would help to keep the British Museum free to the public.”

Cullinan also discussed his hopes that a forthcoming redesign of the institution's 'western range' galleries, which house the Parthenon Sculptures, the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, would allow for an opportunity to rethink how visitors navigate the building and interpret the collection.

Clarifying his intentions around changes to how the collection is displayed, Cullinan said: “What I mean is making sure our scholarship is up to date, not conforming to a particular sort of political agenda."