Fears for museums ahead of further cuts

Cuts later this month in Chancellor George Osborne‘s spending review are forcing the group to look at options to “address a large operating deficit from 2014”.

This means that the National Rail Museum in York, the National Media Museum in Bradford and the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester could all be under threat.

‘Significant deficit’

A Science Museum spokeswoman said: “The Science Museum Group is assessing a range of options to address this situation.

“Despite making significant cost reductions across the group, we are still faced with a significant annual deficit in 2014/15 and beyond because of cuts in grant in aid.

“We have already undertaken a range of cost-saving initiatives since the government cuts announced in October 2010, and we will look at further efficiencies to ensure that we continue to care for our collections and maintain our role in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.”

Museum visits per year

- Science Museum South Kensington: 2,989,000 

- Museum of Science & Industry: 682,000 

- National Media Museum: 504,000 

- National Railway Museum: 716,000

Source: Association of Leading Visitor Attractions

The Science Museum attracts nearly 3 million visitors a year compared to Manchester, York and Bradford, which together receive just under 2 million visitors.

This has led to suggestions that museums are becoming more and more London-focused.

However, fears of closure “are being greatly exaggerated”, Mark Taylor, Director of the Museums Association, has said.

Mr Taylor told Channel 4 News: “They aren’t going to close them down. It would be political and museum madness to close them – but it isn’t going to be easy.”

Increased collaboration

City of York Council and Bradford Metropolitan District Council have met with the Science Museum Group to discuss future funding for the museums.

In a joint statement, Cllrs James Alexander and David Green, said: “We are keen to encourage increased collaboration across these museums and with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

It would be political and museum madness to close them – but it isn’t going to be easy. Mark Taylor, Direcotor, Museums Association

“They are important contributors to our educational, tourism and cultural offer, providing a very real reflection of the country’s commitment to science and technology and our economic growth.”

Science and industry

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Museum of Science and Industry is of global significance celebrating the place where science and industry came together and changed the world. As well as being a major visitor attraction, every year it inspires tens of thousands of young people to pursue science, engineering and technology.

“The museum has a national role in using the past to help us create a better future. We will continue to work with the Science Museum Group to ensure that MOSI continues to flourish and develop.”

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has said it has no say on the budget decisions of the Science Museum.

A DCM spokesperson said: “This an operational issue for the Science Museums Group who has to address a large projected operating deficit from 2014 onwards and is assessing a range of options to address this situation.”