Britain's leading museums and galleries may reintroduce admission charges because of cuts in government funding.
Last week they received a letter from the culture department warning them to prepare for grant reductions of up to 30%. They were also told to prune administrative costs by 50% and given a fortnight to explain how they would implement savings.
“I’m sure some will consider charging again,” said Maurice Davies, deputy director of the Museums Association. “But it would be a backward step as free museums have become part of the public realm.”
When charging was abolished in 2001 it led to a surge in visitors. Some museums reported that numbers had doubled.
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Institutions such as the British Museum, Tate, V&A and the National Gallery are concerned about cuts.
None wants to bring back charging, though some will suggest that overseas visitors should pay while British citizens do not.
Britain is unusual among its continental counterparts in providing free admission to museums and galleries. The Louvre in Paris charges €9.50 (£7.80), the Prado in Madrid €6 and the Uffizi in Florence from €9.45.
The British Museum, which did not charge even while other museums did, recently increased the size of the notice outside its entrance that asks for voluntary donations.
The cuts will mean that most museums will scrap popular evening opening and possibly shut for one day a week.
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So-called “blockbuster” exhibitions will also be under threat because they are expensive, though they also bring in ticket revenue and provide publicity.