UK museums have made a joint appeal to the government claiming that additional funding is essential to enable them build on their cultural and economic role.

The museums announced a joint paper – A Manifesto for Museums – in which they call for a five-year investment plan to sustain their success.

As part of the manifesto, the museums are looking to secure an extra £115m a year above the rate of inflation. Currently, national museums are given £270m a year, while regional institutions receive £200m.

According to the manifesto, the country’s 2,500 museums generate around £3bn a year, receiving around 100 million visitors. Four out of the top five tourist attractions are museums.

Of the extra funding, £50m would go to national museums, £35m would be set aside for regional museums, £15m would be earmarked aiding partnerships and another £15m for new acquisitions.

The launch of the manifesto, published alongside a set of reports by the National Museums Director’s Conference, has coincided with the governments’ announcement that museums are receiving more visitors than ever before – thanks to the free admission policy introduced in December 2001.

Estelle Morris, arts minister, said: “Our national museums and galleries have an international reputation for excellence and innovation. That they are free for all is something that is the envy of the world.

“We are determined to continue this policy for the benefit of everyone,” she said.

Over the last two years, visits to the Science museum have increased by 120 per cent, while the Natural History Museum saw its visitor numbers increase by 74 per cent. Details: www.nationalmuseums.org