Spain’s museums are raising entry prices, sending works abroad, seeking private donations and opening longer to offset cuts of their state funding by up to one third.

According to AFP, The Prado will receive 30 per cent less funding this year, the Reina Sofia 25 per cent less and the Thyssen-Bornemisza 33 per cent less, as the government slashes its culture spend to 722m euro (US$940m, £631m), in an effort to rein in Spain’s public deficit.

Thyssen-Bornemisza is weathering the cuts on top of losing two of its main corporate sponsors last year, and has responded by opening its doors on Mondays, following the lead of the Prado.

It is focused on delivering exhibitions that will appeal to art lovers and the wider public alike, such as a recent display of jewellery from the Cartier Collection.

A new café terrace open to non-visitors is seeking to draw in extra revenue.

The nearby Prado has raised its entry price by two euro to 14 euro, in an effort to remain financially sustainable – it’s third price rise in two years.

It is also sending works abroad, with a survey of Spanish painting just wrapped up in Texas, US and another travelling exhibition staged at the Queensland Art Gallery in Australia last year.

The Reina Sofia Museum is trying to attract private donors, establishing a non-profit foundation in November last year to help raise donations.

However AFP reports Spain’s lack of longstanding philanthropy has meant raising private money has been difficult for the museum.