Museums and galleries urged to sign up for VAT refund to support free entry for the public

VAT refund scheme encourages museums and galleries to provide free entry and open up access to works in collections.

Museums and galleries are being urged to apply for VAT refunds to support opening free of charge as part of plans to boost visitor numbers and give more people access to arts and culture.

Any museum and gallery open to the public free of charge for 30 hours a week can apply. It will help organisations boost their finances and open up their collections more regularly.

The VAT Refund Scheme, which has been running since 2001, was last open to new applicants in 2018/19.

For further information visit:

• Museums and galleries urged to sign up for VAT refund to support free entry for the public - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• VAT Refund Scheme for museums and galleries (VAT Notice 998) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)