GovWire

Last update

17 November 2022

Next update

May 2023 (this release will feature two quarters of data - October to December 2022, and January to March 2023. The publication of data from October to December 2022 has been delayed due to Machinery of Government changes)

Geographic coverage

England

Frequency of release

Quarterly

Summary

Between July and September 2022, there were a total of 9.5 million visits to DCMS-sponsored museums and galleries.

This was around a third (31.4%) lower compared to the same period in 2019. However, visitor numbers between July and September 2022 were almost twice (4.3 million) the number recorded in the same period the previous year (2021) and over six times (8.0 million) larger than in the period in 2020.

The above changes exclude visitor figures from the Museum of the Home (which was closed from January 2018 to June 2021) and the National Portrait Gallery (which closed in March 2020 and will reopen in spring 2023).

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.

The UK Statistics Authority

This release is published in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics produced by the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA). The UKSA has the overall objective of promoting and safeguarding the production and publication of official statistics that serve the public good. It monitors and reports on all official statistics, and promotes good practice in this area.

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.