GovWire

Last update

26 September 2023

Geographic coverage

England

Frequency of release

Quarterly

Summary

Between April 2023 and June 2023, there were a total of 10.3 million visits to DCMS sponsored museums and galleries.

This was 22.6% larger than the same period in 2022. However, visitor numbers between April 2023 and June 2023 remain around a fifth (19.2%) lower compared to the same period, pre-pandemic, in 2019.

The above changes exclude visitor figures from the Museum of the Home, National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Childhood and Blythe House due to closures at these museums during the time period being compared.

Coverage

This release provides monthly absolute visitor totals for the individual museums and galleries sponsored by DCMS.

Background

This statistical series provides information about visits to DCMS-sponsored museums and galleries in England.

Data is published for monthly visits to museums and galleries and this is done on a quarterly basis. It is subject to seasonal fluctuations. The general trend is for visits to be higher during school holidays. Some temporary exhibitions attract large numbers of visits and there may also be occasions when all or part of a museum or gallery is closed for refurbishment, both affecting the visitor numbers.

Data collection methods vary between institutions, and each uses a method appropriate to its situation. All data is collected according to the Performance Indicator guidance.

Figures may be subject to revision. Any amendments will be published on this website in accordance with the Departments revision statement, available in our compliance statement.

Office for Statistics Regulation

Our statistical practice is regulated by the OSR. OSR sets the standards of trustworthiness, quality and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics that all producers of official statistics should adhere to.

You are welcome to contact us directly with any comments about how we meet these standards by emailing evidence@dcms.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can contact OSR by emailing regulation@statistics.gov.uk or via the OSR website.

Pre-release access

The pre-release access list contains a list of ministers and officials who have received privileged early access to this release of museum and gallery monthly visitor figures. In line with best practice, the list has been kept to a minimum and those given access for briefing purposes had a maximum of 24 hours.

Contact

Responsible statistician: Zoe Kimber

For any queries please contact evidence@dcms.gov.uk.