THERE has been a significant increase in the number of visitors to the Museum since entry became free in July 2024 – although it remains uncertain if the government-funded service will continue.
Jersey Heritage has released figures which show that 22,000 people visited the Weighbridge attraction in 2023, but increased to 40,000 last year, a 75% increase.
Of that 22,000, 16,000 were tourists and 6,000 were locals. By last year, 31,000 were tourists and 9,000 were locals.
The trial for free entry at Jersey Museum has been a great success. We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of both visitors and Islanders, including low-income families, exploring and enjoying the exhibitions and artwork on display.
Jersey heritage’s jon carter
Free entry was introduced as a one-year trial in July 2024 following discussions between the government and the charity, when it was estimated to cost £200,000 a year.
Jersey Heritage chief executive Jon Carter said: “The trial for free entry at Jersey Museum has been a great success. We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of both visitors and Islanders, including low-income families, exploring and enjoying the exhibitions and artwork on display.
“The trial was funded by Government of Jersey and reflected the Heritage Strategy, which seeks to provide greater access to heritage.
“This is also one of the main aims of our charity; to share the Island’s story with as many people as possible.
“The trial is ongoing and we are currently in discussions with Government about whether funding is available to make free entry at Jersey Museum a permanent benefit for those visiting our flagship heritage site.”
Although income is not a question Jersey Heritage asks its visitors on arrival at its sites, numbers for low-income visitors at the Museum have been calculated from visitor surveys carried out before and after the introduction of free entry.
With percentages relating to people who took part in the surveys, visitors from households earning under £20,000 increased from 7.5% in 2023/2024 to 12.3% in 2025.
Visitors from £20,000 to £60,000 households also increased from 38% in 2023/2024 to 42.7% in 2025.
Free museum entry is an integral policy of UK cultural policy, with attractions such as the National Gallery and British Museum attracting millions of visitors each year.
