We hope the dinosaurs are two meters apart! Natural History, Science and V&A Museums announce they will reopen in August with visitors asked to wear face masks and book tickets in advance
- South Kensington’s museum district has been closed for months in lockdown
- Free tickets with allocated time slots will be needed to enter the museums
- The three museums said they are staggering opening dates and times
The Natural History Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and Science Museum are set to reopen in August.
South Kensington’s museum district – usually a tourist and school holiday hotspot in London – has been closed for months during lockdown.
The three institutions held a joint, virtual event to announce plans to open their doors again.
The Natural History Museum (pictured), Victoria & Albert Museum and Science Museum are set to reopen in August
South Kensington’s museum district – usually a tourist and school holiday hotspot in London – has been closed for months during lockdown
The Natural History Museum will reopen on August 5, the V&A on August 6, and the Science Museum on August 19.
Free tickets with allocated time slots will be needed to enter the museums.
The three museums said they are staggering opening dates and times to reduce footfall in Exhibition Road and ease visitor flow at nearby Underground stations.
The three museums said they are staggering opening dates and times to reduce footfall in Exhibition Road and ease visitor flow at nearby Underground stations (pictured: The Science Museum)
The V&A will initially open from Thursday to Sunday each week.
Director Tristram Hunt said: ‘The V&A’s galleries flourish in dialogue with visitors.
‘After so many months, I am delighted we will be reopening our doors to the world.
The three institutions held a joint, virtual event to announce plans to open their doors again (pictured: The Natural History Museum)
‘Our seven miles of galleries in South Kensington will open in phases, and we have a range of exciting exhibition and gallery openings to come in the next few months.
‘The V&A has ample space for social distancing, and all safety measures are in place for our visitors to enjoy 5,000 years of ingenuity in art, design and performance.
‘Reopening is only the first phase to our recovery, which is set to last well into next year, and we remain hugely grateful to all our visitors, members and supporters – now more than ever.’
What are the new rules?
Victoria & Albert Museum
Which exhibits are open?
The ground floor and Europe 1600-1815 galleries on level 1 are open, as well as the main shop and garden
How can you get in?
Opening hours from August 6: Thursday-Sunday, 11am-3pm (last entry 1.30pm)
Free tickets must be booked in advance online
Time slots are 15 minutes apart and last entry is at 1.30pm
Safety advice
Social distancing is encouraged and hand sanitiser and face coverings will be available throughout the galleries.
Visitors are encouraged to wear a face mask.
Protective screens have been installed in the shop and cafe and the museum will be regularly cleaned.
Science Museum
Which exhibits are open?
All areas of the museum will be accessible apart from the Pattern Pod, The Garden and Secret Life of the Home
How can you get in?
Opening hours from August 19: Seven days a week, 10am-7pm (last entry 5.30pm)
Free tickets must be booked in advance online
Time slots are 15 minutes apart and last entry is at 5.30pm
Safety advice
Self-guided routes and social distancing guidelines will be in place across the museum with clear signage in place
Protective screens will be installed at all ticket desks and information points
Hand sanitiser stations will be located throughout the museum
Enhanced cleaning regimes throughout the museum, including toilets, high-touch areas and interactive galleries
Tickets will be scanned by contactless e-scanners
Contactless payment is encouraged where possible
Face coverings are recommended
Natural History Museum
Which exhibits are open?
All areas of the museum will be accessible apart from interactive exhibits
How can you get in?
Opening hours from August 5: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm (last entry 17.00)
Free tickets must be booked in advance online or over the phone
Time slots are 15 minutes apart and last entry is at 5pm
Safety advice
Self-guided routes and social distancing guidelines will be in place across the museum with clear signage in place
Protective screens are in place at key touchpoints such as cafes, shops and information desks. Face coverings are provided to staff
You are required to wear a face covering and cover coughs and sneeze with a tissue
Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the museum
Contactless payment is encouraged where possible
Facilities will be regularly cleaned by staff
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