A London art gallery which showcases Jewish-related work will no longer be charging for admission.

As of today (April 19), the Ben Uri in St John’s Wood will be free to all as a result of a preferred partner scheme, whereby a company gives money in return for publicity around exhibitions and publications.

Ben Uri has previously charged those over 16 up to £5 for entry. Last year 12,000 people visited the gallery.
Ben Uri chair David Glasser anticipates a “substantial” increase in visitors because of free entry.

“The objective was to remove every financial obstacle to the interested public. The unemployed and many pensioners find the cost of even just £4 concession entry simply unaffordable. Half our visitors are not Jewish and this proportion may grow incrementally.”

The first agreement is with London art dealers Manya Igel Fine Art. Manya Igel “saw the twin benefits for my business and for the public at large”.