National museums and galleries have attracted an additional 24 million visits since the free admission policy was introduced five years ago.

According to the DCMS, a further seven million visits were made to museums that formerly charged (an 87 per cent increase) during 2006, while visits to museums that have always been free increased by eight per cent.

Culture secretary Tessa Jowell said: “Free admission to our national museums and galleries has been a cornerstone of this government’s cultural policy since 1997. The outstanding success of this policy shows that our investment in excellence has paid off and opened up our world-class collections to people, regardless of their income or background.

“Once you sweep away the barrier of entry charges, the public will come in their millions.”

In London, the V&A (up 139 per cent), Natural History Museum (up 126 per cent) and Science Museum (up 83 per cent) attracted the largest crowds, whereas regionally the National Museums Liverpool (up 139 per cent), Natural History Museum in Tring (up 91 per cent) and National Railway Museum in York (up 64 per cent) achieved the greatest visitor boost. Details: www.culture.gov.uk

Photograph: Museum of Liverpool