£30M funding for museums’ and libraries’ repairs and upgrades

The funding will support museums and libraries’ vital maintenance repairs and upgrades, ensuring they can continue to tell the story of our nation’s rich history and providing spaces for people from all walks of life to access books, work and learn. For example, funding could be used to refurbish tired buildings, increase accessibility, offer more workshops, open new exhibitions, or buy specialist equipment.

The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) will open for expressions of interest on Tuesday 6 May 2025, followed by the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) opening for expressions of interest on Monday 12 May 2025.

Public libraries across England are encouraged to apply for a share of the £5.5M Libraries Improvement Fund as part of the Government’s commitment to ensure libraries are able to upgrade their physical and digital infrastructure to adapt to changing user needs and can be enjoyed by future generations.

Likewise accredited museums across England will be able to apply for a share of £25M to undertake vital infrastructure projects and tackle urgent maintenance backlogs, protecting important collections and buildings, whilst improving the visitor experience and museums’ resilience. Grants from £50,000 to £5M will be available, to ensure museums can continue to share the stories of our rich regional and national history with visitors for many years to come.

It follows the announcement from the Culture Secretary last month of the £270M Arts Everywhere Fund as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to support economic growth and increase opportunities for people across the country.

Arts Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said: “Local museums are the storytellers of our nation’s rich history and creative heritage, providing precious civic spaces that attract millions of visitors every year, whilst public libraries play a key role in communities by providing access to spaces where everyone can work and learn. 

“Our Plan for Change will support these vital institutions to boost opportunity for all. I’m delighted that this investment into museums and libraries will fund repairs and upgrades to their infrastructure, improving the experience for visitors and ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley said: “Museums and libraries are cherished cultural spaces in villages, towns and cities across the country where people come together, share ideas and make discoveries. This new investment in museums and libraries will help secure their future for years to come.”

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