It’s all well and good saying museums can return to normal – but the logistics mean they may never open again

Without a rescue package to help secure its future, the sector faces great uncertainty, writes Charlotte Cripps

Although Boris Johnson has cleared several museums to reopen on 4 July, museums like the Tate may not be able to (AFP/Getty)

I was really excited when I heard this week that museums are allowed to reopen on 4 July as lockdown eases.

The good news was “welcomed” in a joint statement by the directors of six national museums: the Tate, the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery, the British Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

But not one of these has yet confirmed specific reopening dates.

They might not have the latest blockbuster exhibition ready and waiting, but why can’t we stare in awe at some van Gogh while wearing a face mask? Why aren’t they flinging open their doors like the hair salons and pubs as soon as they can?

Quite simply, it’s not about when museums will open, but how.

The coronavirus pandemic has hit museum finances badly. Reopening poses a number of logistical and economic problems.

Social distancing measures – even at one-metre – will reduce visitor numbers and income. There aren’t as many international tourists on the doorstep. Visitors might be anxious about going to art galleries.

The implementation of safety measures is key to museums opening.

Cultural institutions are expected to use one-way systems and pre-booked tickets. Extended opening hours; reduced capacity; fewer staff; and hand sanitiser stations are all on the cards.

There will likely be a staggered approach to the reopening of London’s museums to ease pressure on London transport too.

But Jenny Waldman, director of the Art Fund, has warned that some museums and galleries “may never reopen”.

The Southbank Centre – which houses the Hayward Gallery – has said that the building could remain closed until April 2021 as a result of the economic impact of Covid-19.

It’s true that these museums and galleries “speak to the creative, resilient power of the human spirit” and “will provide solace and inspiration as Britain looks to the future”, as the national museum directors said in their statement.

But without a government rescue package to help secure their futures, the sector faces great uncertainty. Taking the temperatures of visitors before they enter the building is one thing. But you’ve got to be able to open the doors first.

Yours,

Charlotte Cripps

Culture writer