A tattoo museum in Wellington may have to close, because of rising rent.

Stephen Maddock, the director of the National Tattoo Museum in Abel Smith Street, says the building's rent is set to jump to $800 a week, and there is no way he can sustain that, as the museum is a volunteer organisation.

He says visitor numbers are not high, with around 20 people coming through on a good day, but everyone seems to appreciate such a museum exists. Mr Maddock says he cannot afford to advertise the museum to encourage more visitors.

He estimates around 20 people visit the display.