Thomas Lyons 
Prices for museums, libraries, and zoological gardens in Ireland have seen a significant increase of 15% in the past year, making it one of the highest increases among EU countries. This comes as a surprise as the price index for cultural institutions has been growing at a much slower pace than general inflation in the EU.
According to Eurostat, there was an increase of 4% in prices for museums, libraries, and zoological gardens across the EU last year compared to 2021, up from a 3% increase between 2020 and 2021. However, Ireland saw a much larger increase of 15% in the same period, making it the second-highest increase among EU countries, behind only Poland with an 18% jump.
The figures were published by Eurostat to coincide with International Museum Day on May 18th and are measured by the harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP). Before the pandemic in 2019, annual price increases for Irish museums, libraries, and zoological gardens were at 3.8%, in line with the annual rate of change for cultural goods and services across the EU, which was stable at around 3%.
During the pandemic year of 2020, the HICP for cultural goods and services across the EU was at a five-year low of +2%, while in Ireland, prices dropped by 4.7% between 2020 and 2021. The rate of inflation in prices for museums, libraries, and zoological gardens in Ireland has since jumped from -4.7% in 2021 to +15% in 2022.
It is worth noting that Malta was the only EU country to record a decrease in the prices of museums, libraries, and zoological gardens (-3% compared with 2021). Luxembourg and Cyprus recorded no change, while the Netherlands, Greece, and Portugal recorded a small increase (each +1%).
The annual rate of change for all items within the HICP fluctuated between +1% and +3% between 2018 and 2021, before accelerating to +9% in 2022.
The increase in prices for cultural institutions in Ireland may be attributed to the reopening of these venues after the pandemic-related closures. As people are eager to return to cultural activities, there may be an increased demand for tickets, resulting in higher prices.
However, this increase in prices may also have negative consequences, as it may make cultural institutions less accessible to lower-income individuals and families. The government may need to consider measures to make these venues more affordable and accessible to all members of society.
In conclusion, while the increase in prices for museums, libraries, and zoological gardens in Ireland may be a positive sign of the country’s recovery from the pandemic, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences and work towards making these cultural institutions more accessible to everyone.
