Income generation

Thackray Museum of Medicine reveals ‘choose your own price’ entry model 

Image: Thackray Museum building

Leeds medical museum implements choose-your-own-price admission system alongside new local membership scheme to improve accessibility and community engagement.

The Thackray Museum of Medicine has implemented a new pricing structure that allows visitors to choose their own admission fee, alongside launching a local membership programme designed to increase accessibility to the Leeds-based institution.

The museum now offers four pricing tiers ranging from £9 to £16, replacing its previous fixed admission structure. The lowest-priced option is described as a “lower cost ticket” with no additional requirements, whilst the highest tier functions as a “pay-it-forward” option intended to subsidise visits for other patrons.

Edward Appleyard, chief executive of Thackray Museum of Medicine, said: “Membership is the best value way to enjoy Thackray and know you’re supporting our long-term future. As a charity, every membership provides vital income to enable our work with school children, local families, and to help preserve our incredible collection.”

The museum has set £12 as its recommended ticket price, which it said covers operational costs for the Grade II listed building. It said revenue above this amount will support programs including its educational programme. 

A new membership scheme has also been introduced concurrently, with annual individual memberships beginning at £20. Local residents of the Harehills area can access reduced-rate memberships starting at £5 for individuals and £8 for families. Standard family memberships are available from £23 annually.

Members receive unlimited annual entry, priority booking for events including Thackray Lates and Thackray Insights, exclusive communications, and access to member offers. x