Free visits could be history at museum

The Museum of Oxford reopened in 2021 following a £2.8m redevelopment

Visitors to the Museum of Oxford may have to pay a fee to enter the attraction from next year.

Oxford City Council's cabinet will meet on Wednesday to explore proposals to charge people £4 - concessions £2 - from January.

The museum, which reopened in 2021 following a £2.8m redevelopment and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, offers visitors the chance to learn more about the history of Oxford.

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth said the fee could help the museum "continue to provide an informative and fun experience".

"The Museum of Oxford is fantastic, and we want to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy it, which is why we want to ensure concessions for schools, people in receipt of benefits, and other groups," he said.

The entrance price would also include an audio guide of the museum space, which currently costs £3.

There could be free entry for bookings for Oxfordshire schools, carers when providing support, children under five, people receiving benefits and musuem volunteers.

The concession rate could also apply for Blue Light card holders and students.

Several council-owned museums across England have brought in entrance fees, including York Castle Museum, Abbey House Museum in Leeds and Corinium Museum in Cirencester.

Last week, the Museum of Oxford was awarded £227,952 from the Museum Renewal Fund.

Mr Hollingsworth said this money would be used to support the museum's ongoing operations, as well as marketing.