Museum launches 'choose your own price' admission

Visitors to a museum in Leeds have been told they can pay a "choose your own price" entrance fee in a bid to make it more affordable and accessible.

Admission to The Thackray Museum of Medicine in Harehills usually costs £12, but tickets costing either £9 or £10 had also been made available, a spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, people living near the museum could buy an annual membership for just £5, instead of the standard £20, and visitors who were able to pay more could buy a "pay it forward" ticket costing £16.

Edward Appleyard, from the museum, said: "This is about making meaningful experiences and learning about medicine, healthcare and well-being accessible to all."

The new "pay-it-forward" option would "help support our vital work with schools, families and our local community", Mr Appleyard said.

"By making Thackray affordable for everyone, we can help shape a better tomorrow," he added.

The changes in entrance fee at The Thackray come after Leeds City Council introduced "pay as you feel" admission charges at Leeds City Museum, Leeds Art Gallery and Leeds Discovery Centre.

There is also a "pay as you feel" admission charge at Kirkstall Abbey for Leeds residents, while those living outside the city must pay an admission charge.

The Thackray, which was opened in 1997, is set in a former workhouse which was opened 166 years ago.

The building, which is now Grade II listed, later became part of the neighbouring St James's Hospital.

It was awarded a special commendation at the 2023 European Museum of the Year Awards for its work with the local East Leeds community - the only UK organisation to be nominated.

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