The Annual Museum Survey, run by Museum Development South West for the whole of England, surveyed non-National museums in spring this year. The annual survey provides a comprehensive report on the operating context of museums in 2026, including dozens of industrial heritage sites.

Engagement with the survey increased by 12% in 2026, compared with the previous year, providing a stronger evidence base and greater data confidence. By benchmarking data generated every year, it has been possible to spotlight past and current trends such as the impact of the pandemic on volunteering and finances. The results offer deeper insight into museums’ operating environments, including the role and importance of local authority support and levels of optimism for the year ahead.

There are 1415 accredited museums in England, of which 1,220 are non-national museums, which includes many industrial heritage sites. 830 museums responded to the survey from non-national museums, including independent, local authority, university-governed, and industrial organisations. The report studied opening hours and audiences, the use of online tools and methods, workforce and volunteering, and museum finance.

The headline results were that museum visits in 2025/26 had levelled compared to 2024/25. That 27% of museums increased their visitors year on year, whilst staff numbers remain steady, although volunteer numbers dropped slightly. Whilst both expenditure and income have increased for most museums, with expenditure out stripping income, 67% of museums remain optimistic about the immediate future.

You can read the full report here: Annual Museum Survey 2026