Home / Arts and Entertainment / Oxford Museum Entry Fee Slashes Visitors
Oxford Museum Entry Fee Slashes Visitors
10 Jul
Summary
- Visitor numbers dropped 70-80% after a £4 entry fee.
- Income raised is 61% below council projections.
- Free days still attract significant visitor numbers.
The Museum of Oxford has experienced a "catastrophic" decline in visitor numbers since implementing a £4 entry fee earlier this year. A campaign group reported an 70-80% drop in footfall compared to the previous year. This significant decrease occurred after the museum, which had been free since its 1975 opening, began charging in January.
Further exacerbating concerns, the income generated from ticket sales is substantially below expectations. Figures reveal earnings are 61% less than the council's projections, amounting to over £53,000 short. The campaign group argues that this demonstrates the charging policy is not working and needs immediate rectification.
Despite the overall drop, the museum's monthly free days continue to attract a considerable number of visitors, comprising 13-23% of total monthly attendance. This highlights a strong public desire to visit the museum, provided there is no cost. Oxford City Council acknowledges the figures are being monitored closely and a new business plan will be reviewed in the autumn.
