DCMS announces £760m investment in museums 22 Jan 2026
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced £1.5bn investment in cultural organisations over a five-year period, including £600m for the DCMS-funded national museums, the British Library and the BFI, and £160m for regional and local museums including further rounds of the MEND fund and £13.6m to support a transition to more sustainable business models.
NMDC Chair Laura Pye said:
“Today’s announcement from the Secretary of State is a massive vote of confidence in the importance of culture to our nation. Investment in museum maintenance—both for regional and national institutions—is essential if we are to protect our shared heritage and ensure our collections can be enjoyed for generations to come.
We are especially encouraged by the commitment to transformation funding to support the sustainability of local and regional museums. This support recognises the vital role we play in our communities, driving education, creativity, and local pride. With this renewed investment, we can strengthen our foundations and continue delivering world‑class cultural experiences for everyone.”