Museums are undergoing a golden age in popularity, according to a report published today. The study found 43 per cent of the population visited a museum or gallery at least once in the last year.

At 42 million visits each year, museum and gallery attendance exceeds the number of people who watch Premiership and league football and is 50 per cent higher than theatre visits to the West End.

Academic Tony Travers estimates, in addition, that more than 100 million visits were made to the websites of major museums and galleries in 2005-6.

V&A director Mark Jones said: "Museums and galleries are one of this Government's great successes on all counts. I hope this success will not be rewarded with cuts to core funding."

The study, commissioned by the National Museum Directors' Conference and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, estimates the economic benefit of the UK's museums and galleries was £1.5 billion.

The sector accounts for seven out of the UK's top 10 visitor attractions - including Tate Modern and the National Gallery - and for £1 in every £1,000 in the UK economy, Mr Travers says.

He concludes: "New museums and galleries have contributed to the economic and social regeneration of industrial cities."

But he warns that Britain will lose out to foreign institutions unless museum collections are maintained and enhanced. Up to a third of museum displays and facilities are in need of significant renovation.

The report expresses alarm at the small amounts spent on museum acquisitions, in some years less than £20million, as a result of falling expenditure and declining arts donations from the National Lottery.

www.nationalmuseums.org.uk