COVID-19 Fundraising Appeal

On behalf of everyone at the Museum we hope you, and your family and friends, are safe and well in these unprecedented times. We want to update you on the Museum's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ask you for your help.

There is no person, community or organisation that is not affected in some way by the current crisis.  We are mindful and cognisant that greater and more personal priorities may be affecting you at this time and we are sensitive that any request for a financial contribution may be difficult for you to consider.  All we ask is that you please read on.

The Coronavirus Pandemic and subsequent Government guidance means that all of our 10 museum sites are closed. Our staff, with the exception of a very small team, are on furlough leave and our volunteers cannot attend our sites. Whilst we look forward to welcoming visitors back, there is no certainty as to when government restrictions will be lifted.

We are a charity and an independent museum trust, and as such the next few months are crucial for us, as we are so reliant on generating income from admission fees, event income, and spending within our cafes and shops with any surplus spent on our collections and buildings. We are now facing months without revenue and this is very concerning for the future viability of the Museum.
 
We are not just concerned for our own future but also for our local community of which we are a part. Our Museums attract over 450,000 visitors to the region each year, spending money in local cafes and shops, also many of those visitors stay overnight in local accommodation. There are many businesses, organisations, individuals and schools that rely on us and this is an important part of who we are.

As custodians of some of the world’s most important heritage we have a duty to ensure that the Museum survives so that everyone can visit in healthier and happier times. That is why we have launched an appeal to raise £250,000. If you are able to donate you will be helping to secure our future and your support will make a real difference to us.