British museums- subsidised by taxes... but free to all?

Question

If state run British museums and art galleries are run using tax payers' money, and so free to the British public, does that mean foreigners have to pay to get in?

If not, why not? They aren't paying to run the places- we are!

Answer 1

Entrance to museums is free but they have some exhibits every one has to pay to see.  

How are museum staff supposed to distinguish between domestic & foreign visitors?  Set up turnstiles & quiz everyone who attempts to cross the threshold?  Or just target anyone in a loud shirt & baseball hat?  

As a government agency it would have a commitment to equal opportunities which means everyone who wants to visit the museum would be entitled to be treated the same, if they introduced a charge for foreign visitors they would have to do the same for domestic visitors.  

Perhaps the foreign currency tourists bring into the country & the money they spend while they're here is considered adequate compensation for letting them traipse around old buildings looking at 'stolen' artefacts for free.  Do you think there's any chance some of the money tourists spend trickles down from the exchequer to the museums?