London’s free national museums and galleries are, to my mind, one of the great wonders of the world. With their permanent collections free to everyone — whatever their means or wherever they come from — they represent a monumental contribution to civilisation. How lucky we are to be able to enjoy some of the world’s greatest treasures without having to navigate border control.
Universal free admission speaks to our country’s values at their best — open, generous, diverse, welcoming and confident. And it is not just an enlightened policy; it is the fundamental principle that our national museums are built on, as pillars of education, cultural exchange and inspiration for people everywhere — not just visitor attractions.
