Wisbech museum to charge visitors due to ‘financial crisis’

Wisbech and Fenland Museum in Cambridgeshire has announced that it will begin charging admission for the first time in 100 years because it is struggling to balance the books.

The museum said it is in a “financial crisis” due to a £60,000 annual shortfall in income, meaning it cannot afford its £90,000 a year running costs.

The new admissions charge, which has been implemented as a stop-gap measure to keep the museum afloat in the short-term, is due to come into effect on 1 May. Under-16s and full-time students will still be entitled to free entry, but adults will be asked to pay £5.

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Built in 1847, Wisbech and Fenland Museum is one of the country’s oldest purposes-built museums. It houses historic objects including a handwritten copy of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.

The building was recently refurbished but the museum, which operates as an independent charity, is struggling with rising running costs and has launched an urgent appeal for individuals and business to offer donations.

“Quite simply, even with admission charges, we can't survive in our present form beyond this financial year,” said Steve McGregor, Chairman of the museum. 

“We have won one-off grants for capital projects like the recent magnificent refurbishment, but we can't use a penny of that money to keep the lights on, our collections curated or staff paid.”

The museum said it hopes to attract people to join its new Patrons' Scheme in order to be able to continue to operate beyond April next year.

The scheme asks supporters to pledge £1,200 or £600 a year, paid monthly or annually. The museum has also established a Supporters Circle for those who can afford to pledge between £5 and £20 per month.