Government figures show that visits to England’s national museums have rocketed since the decision to scrap entrance fees three years ago.

During 2004, six million more visits were made to museums than in 2000 – the year before fees were abandoned.

Compared to figures from 2000, visits to the V&A Museum in London are up by 113 per cent, the Natural History Museum by 95 per cent and the Science Museum by 71 per cent.

Culture secretary Tessa Jowell said: “The figures are incredible. Our decision to invest in free admission was a success from day one.

“Free entry to everyone to our national museums is a cornerstone of this government’s cultural policy. We believe that our collections are among the best in the world and that everyone should be able to visit, enjoy and earn from them, whatever their background.”

Visits to museums which have always been free – including the British Museum, National Gallery and Tate Modern – are up by 9 percent since 2000.