Recent reporting by the UK Museums Association highlights how extreme weather is already impacting visitor numbers and income. During a MA event focused on audiences, more than half of museum professionals surveyed reported that visitor numbers drop during periods of hot weather. Data from the Association of Cultural Enterprises further showed that footfall to UK cultural venues fell by 3% during the first two quarters of 2026 compared to the previous year, with storms, snow and heatwaves cited as major contributing factors.
According to the findings, extreme heat is increasingly disrupting traditional visitor patterns. Museums and other visitor attractions are being challenged to rethink business models and seasonal programming as heatwaves become more common. The impact extends beyond visitor numbers, affecting secondary spending and overall organisational resilience.
Collections at risk
Heatwaves are not only affecting audiences. Rising temperatures also pose risks to museum collections and heritage assets.
In the same article, the UK Museums Association reports that collections containing heat-sensitive materials, such as fluid-preserved specimens and wax models, are particularly vulnerable. During a recent heatwave in the UK, the Grant Museum of Zoology at University College London experienced the breakage of a historic specimen jar, highlighting the growing need for preventive conservation measures.
Museums are increasingly investing in temperature and humidity monitoring, temporary cooling solutions and emergency procedures to protect collections during extreme weather events. However, sector professionals warn that more frequent and severe heatwaves will continue to create new challenges for the long-term preservation of heritage.
Finding opportunities in the challenges: Cool Off in Culture
While heatwaves present significant challenges, they could also create an opportunity for museums and cultural venues to strengthen their role within local communities.
The UK-wide Cool Off in Culture campaign encourages museums, galleries, libraries, cinemas and other cultural spaces to open their doors as places where people can seek refuge during periods of extreme heat. The initiative highlights the potential of cultural venues to serve as community hubs, offering access to cool indoor spaces, water refill points, shaded seating and other forms of support.
The campaign's online map helps the public identify nearby cultural venues where they can rest and cool down during heatwaves, while a dedicated toolkit supports organisations interested in taking part.
Alongside the public-facing campaign, participating organisations can access practical resources aimed at strengthening climate resilience. These include a Heat Adaptation Guide for Arts & Cultural Organisations, developed by climate adaptation specialists at Shade the UK, which provides building-focused strategies for preparing for severe weather and rising temperatures.
