The Fusilier Museum, a military museum in Bury, Greater Manchester, has reduced its admission fees in an effort to help visitors struggling with the cost-of-living pressures.
From the start of 2023, the museum reduced its entry fee for adults by nearly a third, to £4.95 from £6.95. Concessions have been reduced to £3.95 and a child £2.95, both from £5.95. A family ticket has seen the most reduction, from £22.95 to £12.95.
Advisor spoke to the museum’s General Manager, John Harwood about the price cut.
Asked if there was a risk involved in the admission fee reduction, Harwood said: “From a pure financial perspective, I suppose there is always an element of risk when the unusual decision to reduce prices is taken.
“However, this was a decision made with other factors in mind – not just financial. Not least, we want to remain as accessible as possible to our visitors, and it is recognised that the current cost-of-living pressures are having an impact on everyone’s disposable income.
The museum is home to the collections of XX The Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Documenting over 300 years of history and heritage through permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Museum tells the stories of the people who have served and continue to service in the Regiments.
Harwood said the museum would be monitoring visitor numbers closely after the price cut, and said accurate monitoring will be “crucial” in determining the success of the move.
“To this end, we are working closely with FootfallCam in Guildford to update the technology we use to capture and monitor visitor numbers,” Harwood said.
The museum currently has no plans to reverse the reduction in price, but its manager said it will “react decisively to any unexpected business forces that might reveal themselves in the future.”
The museum has a series of new exhibits scheduled throughout 2023, and Harwood said the hope is that “as many people as possible feel that the museum offers true value for money in coming to view them throughout the year.”
