London Transport Museum receives funding from the Governments Culture Recovery Fund

After being closed for 355 days through the pandemic, the well-loved museum will see investment in new programming and will also bring a boost to their commercial activity following the lengthy closure.

The £450,000 grant will be administered by Arts Council England and will support a sustainable recovery.

The funding will support the brand new exhibit called Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce, which is set to launch in February 2022.

Learning programmes will also be supported thanks to the funding, which will also enable the relaunch of the popular Hidden London tours.

Reopening in May 2021, visitor numbers reached around 68% of pre-pandemic figures and as international travel and tourism are still affected by the pandemic, the museums long term recovery will remain in the balance.

A key focus has been set on future-proofing the museum’s ongoing sustainability as an education and heritage charity which will be vital in preserving not only its historic collection but also its delivery of learning programmes which include their Climate Crossroads initiative which aims to encourage a greener future for the city of London, and also its Enjoyment to Employment initiative which aims to support young people in London into careers in the transport sector.

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Children enjoying a day out at the London Transport Museum — Credit: London Transport Museum

Sam Mullins OBE, Director of London Transport Museum, said:

‘We’re incredibly grateful to DCMS and the Arts Council for standing by London Transport Museum, which captures the story of the vital role public transport has always played in shaping London and keeping the city moving. As we plan for the year ahead, this new Culture Recovery Fund grant is supporting a truly sustainable recovery. It will see us continue to rebuild after the devastating impact of the pandemic and invest in new programming. When cultural attractions reopened earlier this year it signalled brighter times ahead. Their ongoing recovery is critical to our towns and city centres, as well as the wider UK economy and the country’s wellbeing.’

The Culture Recovery Fund has seen more than £1.2 billion awarded, offering unprecedented support to over 5,000 organisations and sites throughout the country such as local museums, West End theatres, grassroots music venues, festivals, and organisations within cultural and heritage supply chains.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said:

‘Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from. Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:

‘This continued investment from the Government on an unprecedented scale means our theatres, galleries, music venues, museums and arts centres can carry on playing their part in bringing visitors back to our high streets, helping to drive economic growth, boosting community pride and promoting good health. It’s a massive vote of confidence in the role our cultural organisations play in helping us all to lead happier lives.’