Senedd backs calls to keep free entry to museums

THE Senedd has backed calls to keep free entry to museums amid concerns Welsh Government budget cuts risk endangering Wales’ national collections.

Plaid Cymru MS Heledd Fychan warned a maintenance backlog of tens of millions of pounds has deteriorated to such an extent the National Museum Cardiff is fearful it could be forced to close.

Delyth Jewell, who chairs the Senedd’s culture committee, said that, due to leaks, Amgueddfa Cymru staff often come in at night to move art from the walls and place buckets to catch rainwater.

Meanwhile, Ms Fychan criticised job losses during the debate on a cross-party motion, co-submitted by Tom Giffard and Jane Dodds for the Tories and Lib Dems respectively. And she expressed alarm about suggestions free entry to national museums could end, saying the policy has been a success since being introduced under Rhodri Morgan in 2001.

Dawn Bowden, the deputy minister for arts, recognised the challenges Amgueddfa Cymru and the National Library of Wales face in maintaining ageing buildings.

She said Amgueddfa Cymru has received £5m and the National Library £2m, which is being kept in the next financial year to address the most pressing maintenance concerns.

She told MSs she commissioned an independent review of the collections’ management last year and it is due to report this month.

Ms Bowden stressed she does not want Amgueddfa Cymru to charge for entry but, in a crisis, every avenue of income generation at its disposal must be explored.

The motion was agreed 27-16 following Wednesday’s debate, with seven MSs abstaining and some support from the Labour backbenches.