Funding

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery is owned and partly funded by Plymouth City Council - a local unitary authority covering the City of Plymouth and which is currently helmed by Vivienne Pengelly, Leader and Barry Keel, Chief Executive.

The remainder of our operational funding comes from Renaissance in the Regions. This is a central government initiative that is transforming England’s regional museums. With strategic direction from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), each region has a ‘Hub’ of up to five flagship museums and museums services. Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery is one of these museums for the South West.

We also receive additional grants for specific projects, acquisitions and conservation duties from funding bodies such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Art Fund, the Wolfson Foundation and the V&A Purchase Grant Fund.

In addition, we receive extra funds from donations. Although admission to the Museum is free, we do have a donations box in our foyer and are always grateful for any donations our visitors are able to leave.

The Friends of Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery also help us with acquisitions. Visit our Friends page for more information about the benefits of joining the group.

There are small admission charges at our branch museums - the Elizabethan House, the Merchant’s House and Smeaton’s Tower, all of which are also owned by Plymouth City Council. Additional funding for improvements to these properties, such as the kitchen and garden at the Elizabethan House in 2006/2007 comes from grants such as the Heritage Lottery Fund. The financial support we receive from the Renaissance in the Regions initiative also assists with the upkeep and maintenance of some of these properties.