The Russell-Cotes museum ran a ‘Sixpence’ event today. Entry was free, compared to their usual £9.50 admission fee but donations of 6p or more were encouraged.
The event began when the museum started charging entry fees roughly around 2010. This is because they are a non- profit charity had to begin charging to remain open to the public.
Historically, the original owners of the house Merton and Annie believed that the full collection from their travels should be free to the public, except for Wednesdays when they charged the infamous 6p.
Jazzmine Milsom, Staff member said: “It broke our hearts to know that we would be taking this away from Bournemouth.”
“The event is a way of honouring the original owners wishes for the local people to be able to access any kind of cultural history here.”
On six pence event days, the museum does not allow bookings, it is solely for walk ins from 10am to 5pm only.
They aim to run the event every two months, depending on how busy it is, except from in December due to other events and January for annual maintenance.
Duncan Walker, Museum Curator said: “It’s sort of a way to give back to the community.”
These events are one of their busiest days and they get a lot of new and returning visitors.
Elaine Taylor, 2nd time visitor to the museum said: “I would definitely come to the museum, I would even pay the full admission price.”
“I have been able to stop and look at the pictures that attract me. I have taken much more time, and I know there is still a lot more to see.”
The next six pence day will take place in February of next year.
Bournemouth women combat loneliness by turning online friendships into real-life community