National museums will continue to offer free entry to all visitors, officials have decided, ending a recent debate over possible charges for tourists.
The question of introducing entry fees for non-residents had been discussed as one option to help boost the finances of state-run cultural institutions. Proponents argued such charges might provide a new revenue stream, while opponents warned they could restrict access to public collections.
Keeping museums free is intended to preserve universal access to nationally owned collections and ensure that cost is not a barrier for local or international visitors. Free admission has been a longstanding feature of many national museums, seen by supporters as central to their public service remit.
With the decision settled, museum directors and policymakers are expected to continue exploring other ways to strengthen institutional finances without introducing per-visitor charges. The outcome leaves the wider debate about funding models for cultural institutions open, as authorities look for sustainable approaches that balance income generation with public accessibility.