People living outside the LA1-LA6 postcodes will be charged for entry to Lancaster City Museum in a shake-up of admission prices.
Lancaster City Council said the revised admissions policy at Lancaster City Museums "will help to protect the district’s rich history and vibrant cultural heritage while raising vital funds to support their future".
Additional money raised will be used to refurbish the museum staircase.
From April 1, adult visitors who live outside of the LA1-LA6 postcodes will be charged an entry fee. Entry to the Lancaster City and Maritime Museums will be £5 each, while a visit to the Cottage Museum will cost £2.
There are also new ticketing options as follows:
• Two-adult joint ticket: £8 for entry to either the Lancaster City or Maritime Museums
• Weekly pass: £8 per person for access to all Lancaster City Council-run museum sites for a week
• Annual pass: £10 per person for unlimited entry to all three museums for a year
Admission for people living in the LA1 to LA6 postcode areas will continue to be free.
Carers accompanying a disabled visitor will also receive free entry.
As is the case currently, local adult visitors will be asked to pay an entry fee to the Cottage Museum, with a visit costing £2.
Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: "The Maritime Museum has charged an entry fee for people visiting from outside the local area for many years and these changes bring the City Museum in line with this existing charging policy.
“Initially the additional funds we raise will be used to refurbish the staircase at the City Museum, and it seems reasonable to ask visitors to contribute, just as local people do through their Council tax.
“Longer term, the changes will ensure the sustainability of these treasured institutions and support the maintenance and development of our museums for future generations to enjoy.”


PHOTOS: Giant spade goes in ground at Eden Project Morecambe as August start date revealed
New drumming festival to be held in Morecambe
New four-day Lancaster Fringe Festival announced
Former Lancaster antiques centre revamp gets go-ahead
Controversial new housing plans near Lancaster given thumbs up
LISTEN: Plans revealed for 'permanent seasonal' Lancaster On Ice
Morecambe woman charged with murder following death of eight-week-old baby
Rescue after person stuck in mud in Lancaster
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe

