Musical Museum Says it is 'on Brink of Closure'

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Venue issues emergency appeal for support to secure its future

The Musical Museum in Brentford

January 24, 2024

The Musical Museum in Brentford has issued a emergency plea for support which it has described as ‘desperate’ saying the venue is on the brink of closure.

Management now says that without sufficient funding the museum will close permanently as early as this April.

The institution has been based in the area for sixty years and has been a beacon for both music and technology enthusiasts, attracting visitors of all ages with its collection spanning tiny music boxes to the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ in its concert hall.

Run by a UK registered charity, it also houses a nationally significant archive of almost 20,000 Music Rolls and other rare artefacts.

Despite its popularity with visitors, evidenced by a five-star rating on Trip Advisor and a consistent ranking as one of the top-rated attractions in Greater London, like many museums the pandemic has left a hole in its finances which a return to business as usual has failed to fill.

When Covid struck it had embarked on a plan to expand its audience and further engage the local community, but lockdown forced it to close its doors to the public for the first time in half a century. Although the museum has seen increased attendance, escalating operational costs, exemplified by quarterly fuel bills exceeding £7,000, have pushed the museum to a crisis point.

The Musical Museum has now launched an emergency appeal directly to its loyal audience and the wider public to help safeguard its invaluable collection and cherished space for future generations.

Funds raised through the GoFundMe campaign will be channelled towards critical operating expenses such as lighting, heating, and essential building maintenance. This campaign has a single objective: ensure the museum's survival while it strives to attain financial sustainability.

The museum is one of the top-rated attractions in London

Supporting the Musical Museum through this challenging period will not only help to preserve its collection for the nation, but also maintain its role as a valuable community centre, hosting a range of local activities such as Hounslow’s Well Being and Warm Spaces initiatives for the elderly.

If you wish to support the Musical Museum the link to its GoFundMe page is here.

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