A FREE art gallery and museum has almost tripled donations at the door.

The Russell-Cotes in Bournemouth is now getting 70 pence from each visitor, compared to 25 pence in 2009.

“This is incredible news,” said Councillor Ian Lancashire, cabinet member for the arts. “It shows how much the museum is valued.

“It’s heartening to see that in these times of austerity, people are so altruistic towards our culture and heritage.”

The museum has been running a campaign to boost donations, asking people for £3 with the slogan ‘It feels good to invest in heritage’.

In 2008/09, donations were only worth £5,000, but if the trend continues the Russell-Cotes will get more than £50,000 a year.

The museum received £944,000 in public money last year but funding to councils and art bodies is tumbling so it has to generate more money.

Future plans may include a range of regular giving schemes. It expects a significant amount of its future funding could come through philanthropy.