The Science Museum in London has officially ended its sponsorship deal with BP after mounting criticism from environmental activists. This decision comes as part of the museum’s initiative to address concerns about fossil fuel sponsorships in cultural institutions.
The Science Museum Group academy announced that its partnership with BP will conclude on August 31, marking the end of its agreed term. This academy, established in 2018, has provided training and resources to over 11,000 professionals in museum, education, and science fields, benefiting approximately 1.5 million students.
Ian Blatchford, the director and chief executive of the Science Museum Group, acknowledged BP’s contributions, emphasizing their role in supporting science engagement training. However, the partnership has faced significant backlash from various environmental groups, including Culture Unstained, which campaigns against fossil fuel sponsorship of cultural institutions.
Culture Unstained remarked that the museum’s decision follows extensive campaigning and pressure from educators who threatened to boycott museum trips over its ongoing partnership with BP. The Science Museum is now joining other UK cultural institutions, such as Tate and the Royal Shakespeare Company, in severing ties with fossil fuel sponsors.
While the Science Museum had earlier ended its sponsorship deal with Equinor in 2024, it has faced criticism for collaborating with Adani’s renewables division due to the company’s substantial investments in coal.
