Wales’ National Museum Cardiff faces an uncertain future as the institution grapples with severe budget cuts, potentially leading to the closure of one of its iconic buildings. Jane Richardson, the chief executive of Museum Wales, which operates seven sites nationwide, disclosed that the organization is confronting a challenging £4.5 million reduction in funding.

The reduction has prompted a dire need to reduce expenditures significantly, impacting at least 90 jobs, with the possibility of more cuts ahead. The potential closure of National Museum Cardiff has been particularly troubling, given the building’s deteriorating condition—a situation mirrored by the neighboring City Hall.

The financial difficulties come as the Welsh government manages a budget that is £700 million less in real terms compared to 2021, forcing tough choices across various sectors. In response, Museum Wales has begun charging for special events and considering shorter winter hours to help mitigate the financial shortfall.

Despite these challenges, there was a recent boost with a £412,000 lottery grant awarded to the National Slate Museum in Llanberis, Gwynedd, which Richardson described as “enormously exciting.” However, she cautioned that continued cuts of this magnitude would force a reevaluation of the museum’s operational scope and could lead to further reductions in services and facilities.

The museums, which collectively draw about 1.8 million visitors annually, are striving to remain financially viable without reintroducing general admission charges, which would lead to the loss of tax benefits. Instead, they are encouraging donations and leveraging special exhibitions, like the Art of the Selfie, which features notable works including a Van Gogh painting.

Tom Giffard, a Conservative culture spokesman, expressed concern over the disproportionate funding cuts, emphasizing the risk they pose not just to jobs but to the preservation of Welsh heritage. Discussions are ongoing with the Welsh government to explore solutions and secure the future of National Museum Cardiff and its invaluable collections.