Glasgow museums membership plan plea by culture chiefs

Glasgow Life has launched an online marketing drive to promote its membership scheme, which entitles donors to "everything Glasgow Museums has to offer" including city-run exhibitions.

The price of an annual, individual membership is £28 while £44 also permits the entry of a guest and a family pass is priced £50.

Glasgow is one of few cities in the world where entry to the majority of its museums and galleries is free.

However, the parlous state of local authority finances could lead to a re-think under possible plans by the city council.

Ricky Bell, depute leader of Glasgow City Council, previously warned of worse times to come and said the local authority could not continue to "salami-slice" services.

He said he did not believe Glaswegians face entry fees but said a charging policy was "something we need to consider."

The council has already agreed to introduce a £3 entrance charge for the Kibble Palace in the Botanic Gardens.

Councillor Bell said Glasgow was the only city that contributes significantly to the country's cultural offering but receives no Scottish government funding.

He said: "Edinburgh are funded by the Scottish Government for their cultural assets, Dundee have just got significant funding for the V&A which is great for Dundee but why not Glasgow?

"In an ideal world, we wouldn't charge for any of them but we are not in an ideal world and we have to make difficult decisions." 

A message on Glasgow Life's website states that "membership will help protect thousands of years of history" and one of the finest art collections in Europe.

The charge also entitles museum-goers to discounts in museum cafes and shops and entry to all exhibitions run by Glasgow Life but not visiting shows.

Councillor Bell said the city's museums and galleries got a "reasonable amount" from donations. The Banksy show generated £10,000 over its 10-week run.