National Museum cuts jobs as visitor numbers fall

The National Museum will cut more jobs and lower its revenue forecast for next year as visitor numbers decline and IT costs rise, DR reports.

The museum expects higher IT expenses after authorities raised their assessment of the threat of cyberattacks. It was itself hit hard by a cyberattack this summer. Attendance has fallen this year across its 15 visitor sites.

The museum’s management plans to eliminate positions to save 11 million to 13 million kroner. It also intends to reorganise parts of the institution to make it more resilient.

The museum had hoped that rising tourist numbers in Denmark would help reverse the decline, but Director Rane Willerslev said higher costs for flights and accommodation appeared to leave tourists with less money to spend on museum visits. He also said living costs were rising.

The National Museum’s finances are split roughly equally between state grants and income it generates itself. Its visitor attractions include Frilandsmuseet, Klunkehjemmet and Kronborg Castle.