A new “art pass” has been launched today, giving access to hundreds of galleries and museums in return for an annual fee.

The Art Fund charity has today launched the new National Art Pass which costs £35 per year for membership to Art Fund. In return, card holders are given free access to over 200 charging museums and galleries and 50% off entry to major exhibitions. A membership card for under 26s is also available from £18.75.

The Art Fund card would, for example, give free access to The Poetry of Drawing exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery that runs until 15th May.

Stephen Deuchar, Art Fund director, said: “We must ensure that museums remain able to collect, display and interpret great works of art, for a wide public, whatever the financial pressures of the moment. Supported by the National Art Pass, we are determined to help this happen.”