New research has suggested that some UK museums are losing their appeal, with 58 per cent of people not visiting a museum in the past year.

The 800-person study, undertaken by sound and lighting experts AVonics, said the figure increased for adults aged 18-24, with 63 per cent not having been to a museum in the past year.

The results fall in line with data released last month by the Department for Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS), which said visits to sponsored museums were down 10.3 per cent year-on-year for December.

A separate independent report had suggested that a forthcoming government White Paper on culture is crucial to the sector, providing a “once in 50 years” opportunity to fix the national cultural policy framework for Britain by addressing the funding disparity between London and the rest of the United Kingdom.

John Marsh, managing director at AVonics, said that funding limitations are holding many museums back at a time when they need to pull out all the stops to attract new visitors, especially from the younger generations.

“Museums are crucial for educational and leisure purposes, and it’d be a real shame if more attractions are forced to close their doors in 2016 because they can’t make ends meet,” said Marsh. “The government needs to ensure that innovative, immersive attractions are given the support they need.”