RAMM enjoys dynamic year with visitor numbers soaring
Published: 10 October 2024
Nearly a quarter of a million people visited Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery last year, new figures have revealed.
The popular museum in Queen Street, Exeter, enjoyed a dynamic 2023, with a significant return of visitors – a total of 213,900 – following the global pandemic.
The museum’s commitment to visitor service was reflected in its 86% score from Visit England’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme.
These encouraging figures and more are reflected in RAMM’s review of 2023/24.
Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Arts, Culture & Tourism, Cllr Bob Foale, said: “From illuminated manuscripts to subterranean spaces, last year RAMM brought inspiration and excitement to the people of Exeter.
“It is heartening to see how the Council’s investment in the museum brings so much joy to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.”
RAMM’s review highlights a year of engaging exhibitions, community initiatives, and significant visitor achievements, putting the museum at the heart of Exeter’s cultural scene.
During 2023/24, RAMM put on a total of 19 exhibitions and 136 events. The museum’s volunteer programme rebounded to nearly pre-pandemic levels, with 287 volunteers contributing over 14,200 hours. This dedication allowed RAMM to extend its services and support new projects, making it a truly inclusive space for all.
RAMM’s community engagement programmes expanded significantly during 2023/24, touching lives across generations. Collaborating with Wellbeing Exeter and Age UK Exeter, the museum created cultural experiences for older adults, even inspiring one gentleman to visit after years of isolation. Meanwhile, young people benefited from the Dartmoor Frame of Mind project, which used photography to support mental health.
RAMM’s commitment to accessibility took a major leap forward with the launch of its new Open Access Strategy. Developed with the University of Exeter and New York University’s GLAM-E Lab, the museum released hundreds of collection images into the public domain. A trial in 2023 saw 63 images, mainly of Devon and Exeter, published on Wikimedia Commons, garnering over 6.16 million views. RAMM’s digital strategy ensures that these cultural treasures are accessible to all, locally and globally.
A Hub for Learning and Participation, RAMM continued to provide valuable learning opportunities for young people, hosting 19 student placements from local and regional universities. The museum’s Future Skills programme attracted 19 participants, introducing them to the various roles within the cultural sector.
The museum’s extensive school programmes brought history to life for 2,448 students, covering topics from Roman Devon to the Blitz. RAMM’s new regular home education sessions provided additional learning opportunities for families.
Behind the scenes, RAMM’s conservation team played a vital role in preserving the museum’s extensive collection. The team worked on objects ranging from taxidermy to historical silver rings, ensuring their readiness for exhibitions. RAMM also made strides in sustainability, introducing a recycling programme for conservation materials and taking part in the #AskAConservator campaign to share their expertise with a wider audience.
Looking forward, RAMM is set to continue its impactful work, with plans for new exhibitions, continued community engagement, and expanded digital offerings. The museum’s commitment to preserving Exeter’s cultural heritage while embracing innovation ensures it remains a vibrant space for learning, reflection, and inspiration.
To read the full review, visit the RAMM website at https://rammuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RAMM-annual-review-2324_web_FINAL.pdf