NEMO Network of European Museums – Statement on the impact of the energy crisis on Europe’s museums

Berlin, 16 September 2022: Rising energy costs across Europe are weighing heavily on museums and other cultural institutions. Significant increases in the cost of electricity and heating are expected for autumn and winter, due to the large increase in energy costs in the global market. Museums across Europe have had to deal with two years with significant decreases in visitor numbers due to the pandemic, which has led to unprecedented revenue losses. Museums and other cultural organizations usually have fixed budgets related to operating expenses, which include energy costs. In previous years, energy costs have been relatively low and museums are clearly worried about the
an increase in prices in the current and subsequent years, as there is a forecast of a cost increase of up to 400% on the energy bills of museums this winter.

The cultural sector has proven to be resilient and adaptable during COVID19 and will of course do its best to help tackle this crisis by exploring every possible way to save energy. Many recommendations have already been published at national and local level by various organisations. However, the already struggling economic situation of museums due to the pandemic, limits investment in their infrastructure, sustainability and energy efficiency. Moreover, the delay in investment in the public cultural sector in many countries is preventing museums from working in energy-efficient ways, which will increase costs as the energy crisis progresses. In addition, the protection of cultural heritage makes it difficult for many museums to introduce measures for their energy efficiency, as their buildings are under special protection.

Cultural sites and offerings – as we have seen during the pandemic – are extremely important factors for social cohesion and personal well-being in times of crisis. The cultural sector in Europe is still in a state of emergency due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. The Network of European Museum Organisations (NEMO) is concerned about possible new closures and dramatic reductions in services and museum opening hours, due to increased energy costs. The closure and/or reduction of museum services has little impact in terms of energy saving, but has a significant impact on the cultural and social fabric of Europe.

NEMO asks policymakers at all levels to do everything possible to keep museums open:
– taking into account rising energy prices and increasing the budget of museums accordingly, in terms of operating costs;
– providing additional funds for 2022 for further payments and adjustments to the budget of museums and cultural institutions,
– increasing the budgets for fixed operating expenditure as needed for the years 2023 and subsequent
– providing additional funds for investments in museum infrastructure so that buildings can be maintained in a more efficient, ecological and sustainable way as soon as possible.

For the original text of the statement in English click here.

More about NEMO in the link https://www.ne-mo.org/