Museums in the UK are encouraged to stop accepting sponsorships from fossil fuel industries, as outlined in a new ethical code.

In a significant shift for the cultural sector, the Museums Association (MA) has proposed a new code of ethics, encouraging museums to transition away from sponsorships with organizations involved in environmental harm, such as fossil fuel companies. This development comes amidst growing public concern about climate change, with an Ipsos poll revealing that 77 percent of the British public are concerned about the issue.

The new code of ethics also implores museums to consider climate and ecological impacts, as well as social responsibility, in all decision-making processes. A representative for Culture Unstained, a campaign against monetary relationships between arts organizations and fossil fuel companies, stated that this new code of ethics offers an opportunity to set a powerful new precedent.

However, despite this shift in values, some British institutions continue to rely on sponsorship from fossil fuel companies. The Science Museum in London and the British Museum are two such institutions that were still receiving funding from fossil fuel companies as of early 2025. The Science Museum receives funding from both BP and Adani Green Energy, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, one of the largest private coal companies in the world. The British Museum, on the other hand, has a sponsorship deal with BP, with a 10-year agreement starting in 2023.

The United Kingdom recently adopted a law that bars licenses for new oil and gas projects, a move that was seen as a victory by the British protest group Just Stop Oil, which ended its demonstrations directly targeting museums and public spaces shortly after the new climate policy was adopted.

Despite the pressure from activist groups and the new ethical guidelines, it remains unclear if the Science Museum and the British Museum will succumb to further pressure or remain steadfast in their current sponsorships. A spokesperson for the British Museum stated that they consider each donation or sponsorship on its own merits and have an obligation to ensure the long-term financial stability of the Museum by securing funding from a number of sources. The spokesperson's statement was made to the Art Newspaper.

The current sponsorship contract terms with BP for both the Science Museum and the British Museum are valid through 2023. It is expected that the museums' decisions regarding their continued sponsorships from fossil fuel companies will be closely watched in the coming years.