Latest statistics for Government-sponsored museums show two million more visits were made than previous year.

New figures published yesterday (Thursday) reveal 49 million visits were made to the 16 museums and galleries directly funded by the DCMS last year, a four per cent increase on 2012/13 (47 million) and a record high since the first data was published in 2002/03.

The ‘Sponsored Museums: Performance Indictators 2013/14’, an annual statistical release, also shows that nine million visits to the sponsored museums were made by children aged 15 and under in 2013/14, an increase of three per cent since from the previous year.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said:

These new figures highlight once again the public’s appetite for UK’s incredible culture and heritage, and the continuing appeal of our world-class museums and galleries.

The Government’s investment to guarantee free admission for the national collections, along with stunning exhibitions and permanent collections, means that our great cultural institutes can be enjoyed by all.