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Lorna Prichard, Culture correspondent at BBC Wales News, reports that a Senedd committee believes it is unjust to charge visitors for entry to the Big Pit National Coal Museum. Situated in Blaenavon, Torfaen, the museum has introduced an £8 fee per person, along with some concessions, until July 2026. However, the culture and sport committee asserts that access to Welsh museums should be free as a matter of principle, emphasizing that it should not become a luxury limited to those who can afford it. The committee calls for improved funding for Welsh museums to ensure that collections remain accessible to all visitors.
While the Welsh government has affirmed its commitment to maintaining free entry to all seven museum sites, as well as to the national collections, it has noted that it will review the suggestions outlined in the report. In response to financial pressures and funding cuts, the Big Pit National Coal Museum has announced that underground tours will be subject to a charge. Led by former miners, these tours explore original mine shafts and museums, offering a unique perspective on Wales’ national heritage.
Delyth Jewell MS, chair of the Senedd’s culture and sports committee, has stressed the importance of these tours as a vital component of the national collections. The report highlights the Welsh government’s failure to adequately fund museums, citing a considerable decrease in real terms in funding for culture and sport over the past decade. While acknowledging the challenges faced by Amgueddfa Cymru in providing access to the underground workings at Big Pit, the report suggests that the Welsh government should increase funding rather than shifting the burden onto visitors.
Deborah Clubb and Amy Hughes, residents of Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare respectively, have expressed mixed reactions to the introduction of tour charges at Big Pit. While acknowledging the value of the experience, some visitors have raised concerns about the financial implications for families. Despite differing opinions, visitors like Savannah Knox from Canada have noted that paying for historical tours is common in their home countries. As discussions continue, Amgueddfa Cymru has emphasized that the broader site at Big Pit will remain free for visitors, signaling its commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Wales
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