Should museums be free?

Museums and art galleries keep the history and culture of a country. Some people say that entry to them should be free for everyone. I agree with this view to a large extent, although I think that some charges can be justified for special exhibitions.

The main reason for free entry is that it gives everyone a chance to learn. Families on a low income often cannot afford tickets for several people, so their children may never see the objects that they study in books. If museums are free, a student can visit as often as they like, and a short visit after school can become a habit. This is good for education, and it is good for the whole community, because people who know the history of their city are more likely to value it.

Another reason is that many museums already receive public money, and the collections belong to the nation. It seems unfair to ask the public to pay twice, once through taxes and again at the door. Several cities that removed entrance fees have reported a large rise in the number of visitors, and the shops and cafes beside the museums have also benefited.

On the other hand, running a museum is expensive. The staff, the security and the care of delicate objects all cost money, and a free museum depends fully on the government. If public funds are cut, the quality of the exhibitions and the care of the collection may suffer. For this reason, I believe that it is reasonable for a museum to charge for temporary exhibitions or for guided tours, as long as the permanent collection stays free.

In conclusion, free entry to the main collections is a fair and valuable policy, because it opens culture to all people. Fees for special events can help to cover the costs without keeping anyone out.

Why it works

• The opinion is stated in the first paragraph and repeated in the conclusion, so the position is clear throughout.
• The writer gives credit to the opposite view in paragraph four and keeps the answer to the question: to a large extent, with a limit.
• Linking words such as another reason and on the other hand show how the paragraphs fit together.