On behalf of The Friends of Peterborough Museum, we express our deep concern regarding the proposed reduction in opening hours and funding for Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery. As a long-established charitable organisation committed to supporting and enhancing the museum’s role in the community, we believe that these cuts will have far-reaching negative consequences for Peterborough’s residents, cultural landscape, and future economic development.

A Cultural Asset for All

Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery is a vital cultural and educational resource, providing free access to world-class collections, local history, and exhibitions that inspire, educate, and engage. Its collections, which include items of international significance such as the Must Farm artefacts and works by local poet John Clare, play a critical role in shaping Peterborough’s identity and preserving its heritage for future generations.

The museum also includes the art gallery, which serves as a central hub and showcase for local artists. It is currently the only dedicated space in the city where local creatives can exhibit their work, fostering a vibrant artistic community and providing an essential platform for cultural expression.

Supporting Local Economy and Community Wellbeing

The museum and art gallery contribute significantly to local regeneration efforts, acting as a focal point for tourism and community events. Evidence from similar cultural institutions demonstrates the positive impact museums have on economic growth and community cohesion. The reduction in hours risks damaging this progress by reducing visitor numbers and diminishing its role as a driver of the local economy.

Additionally, the museum offers vital educational opportunities to thousands of schoolchildren and families annually, fostering creativity, curiosity, and learning. It also provides essential volunteering and work experience opportunities that develop skills, confidence, and community engagement—critical components in supporting social mobility and reducing inequality.

Risk to Securing Future National Funding

We are particularly concerned that the proposed budget cuts will undermine the museum’s ability to secure future funding from national funding bodies. These institutions place great emphasis on the long-term sustainability and stability of the organisations they support. A reduction in funding and services could shake their confidence in the museum’s capacity to deliver agreed outcomes and meet strategic targets.

Furthermore, there is a real risk that monies already awarded could be called into question if the museum’s ability to achieve key performance indicators and planned milestones is compromised. This would not only jeopardise current projects but also harm Peterborough’s reputation as a viable location for cultural investment.

Aligned with Council Priorities

The museum supports key council priorities, including health and wellbeing, social cohesion, and skills development. Its role in promoting mental health and wellbeing is particularly noteworthy, as cultural engagement has been shown to reduce reliance on healthcare services. By limiting access, the council risks increasing pressure on other public services.

Call to Action

We urge the council to reconsider these cuts and recognise the museum’s value not only as a cultural and educational hub but also as an asset that delivers tangible economic, social, and civic benefits. We support the museum’s official response, which highlights its critical role in delivering long-term benefits to Peterborough’s residents and businesses.

In addition, we strongly recommend that the council carefully consider the wider implications of these cuts on future funding opportunities. Protecting the museum’s current level of service is essential to maintaining the confidence of national funding bodies and ensuring continued investment in Peterborough’s cultural heritage.

We are committed to working collaboratively with the council, stakeholders, and the wider community to find innovative solutions that will secure the museum’s future. We encourage the council, in its capacity as trustee of Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery Charity, to prioritise the museum’s best interests and ensure its continued ability to serve the community.

The Friends of Peterborough Museum stand ready to support efforts to sustain this irreplaceable institution for generations to come.