Museums and art galleries were forced to close their doors once again as the nation continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic – however, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, as all four UK countries have started easing lockdown restrictions.
While there’s no denying the joy of a post-lockdown pint or much-needed haircut, what’s the plan for those hoping to visit the UK’s many historic museums and eclectic art galleries?
Here we look at the latest guidance for the cultural reopenings across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
When do museums open?
All four UK countries have their own dates for easing lockdown restrictions.
Indoor museums and art galleries will reopen in England on May 17 – as long as Covid-19 cases continue to fall.
This is part of step three of the UK government’s plan to eliminate most lockdown measures by June 21.
Other indoor entertainment venues, such as theatres, ice rinks, model villages, cinemas, bingo halls and amusements, are also due to reopen on May 17.
In Scotland, museums are able to reopen from April 26 – and many of the national ones will be, according to National Museums Scotland.
In Wales, it’s not entirely clear when museums can reopen – but many are hoping that some dates will be announced following the next lockdown review on May 10.
And in Northern Ireland, indoor museums remain closed until further notice – but can reopen ‘provisionally’ from May 24.
When do art galleries open?
The dates for art galleries reopening across the UK are very similar to museum opening dates.
In England, art galleries will be one of the many entertainment and cultural venues planned to reopen on May 17.
Scotland’s dates seem to vary, starting from April 26, which is the opening date for Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow.
But National Galleries Scotland’s galleries all open on different dates. Scottish National Gallery, for example, will reopen on May 6, while Modern One reopens on May 16.
The good news is you should be able to find an exact opening date of the art gallery you want to visit on their dedicated website.
Galleries in Northern Ireland appear to be closed until further notice – with a ‘provisional’ opening date of May 24 on the cards.
And in Wales, no official reopen date has yet been announced, and so residents are eagerly awaiting the lockdown-lifting update on May 10.
What Covid safety measures will in place?
Every museum and art gallery in the UK will have to adhere to Covid-19 safety rules in order to be allowed to reopen.
This means ensuring people can safely browse at a social distance of two meters, and ensuring proper cleaning of the venue.
The International Council of Museums has clear recommendations for all museums reopening to the public.
The recommendations include:
- Defining a maximum number of visitors, to the whole museum and individual exhibits
- Establishing time slots to help with social distancing and online booking to avoid queues
- Installing hand sanitiser dispensers
- Disinfecting doors and maintaining regular cleaning
- Restrict access to places that cannot be easily cleaned
- Ensuring ‘flow’ so people don’t enter and exit through the same door
- Put ground markings in place to show a safe social distance
- Refuse entry to those showing signs of Covid-19
Many shops and venues around the UK also carry signs which state they refuse entry to patrons who aren’t wearing a face mask.
However, the procedures in place may differ slightly from museum to museum.
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