London Transport Museum has received an £875,000 boost for its future from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to aid its recovery after losing £7 million during the pandemic.
London Transport Museum, the world’s leading museum of urban transport, is among more than 2,700 recipients to benefit from the latest round of awards. More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country, including London Transport Museum, in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund.
Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
When the pandemic forced London Transport Museum to close its doors in March 2020, the popular venue took a major financial hit. Although over 40% of the Museum’s visitors returned when it reopened in September, reduced ticket sales, shop sales and venue hire income left it facing a total income shortfall of almost £7 million before emergency support.
In October, the Museum was one of 35 organisations to receive a grant in the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund. This vital £1.75 million lifeline has kept the Museum in operation throughout the winter.
This new grant of £875,000 administered by Arts Council England, will get London Transport Museum’s long-term recovery off the starting blocks and enable it to reopen with confidence when restrictions lift on 17 May 2021.
Visitors to the Museum can look forward to refreshed galleries and exploring the award-winning Hidden London exhibition in the Global Gallery, now extended due to popular demand. A new series of After Dark events will also be on offer, with opportunities for people to show off their transport trivia knowledge and get creative.
In May half-term the Museum also plans to open its Museum Depot in Acton Town. Visitors can follow a family trail to discover fascinating facts about the historic vehicles on display in this transport treasure trove.
Sam Mullins OBE, Director of London Transport Museum, said, “We are hugely grateful for the support of the Culture Recovery Fund. As we emerge from a long tough winter and reopen on 17 May, reviving London’s cultural offer will be vital for the country’s recovery and morale post-pandemic.
“For London Transport Museum, this essential funding gives us a realistic shot at long-term recovery. It puts us back on track as we welcome our visitors again and kick-start the delivery of our education and employability programmes in person.
“A huge thank you to Arts Council England, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and HM Treasury, and to the many supporters and visitors who have stood by the Museum during the pandemic, your support has been incredible.”
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said, “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.
“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”
Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said, “Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work.
“We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”
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