After months of closure, the V&A, Science Museum and the National History Museum are set to open in a staggered manner in August. The three museums are opening on different dates to avoid overcrowding, and to avoid putting pressure on public transport. The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) mentioned that there was an average 5.59% increase in visitor figures from 2018 to 2019. However, the museums expect a decrease of 80% in footfall this year.
Visiting the museums will give an opportunity to experience them without the crowds.
The Natural Museum will reopen on August 5 and will be operational from 11am to 6pm from Wednesday to Sunday. The Science Museum will reopen on August 19 from 10am to 6pm all days of the week and the V&A will reopen on August 6 from 11am to 3pm (only Thursday to Sunday initially). Visitors will have to book time slots through online platforms. Face masks have been deemed necessary and not mandatory.
It is far more costly to run these museums than to keep them closed, but the government&rsquos aid of £1.57bn emergency arts and heritage package has allowed the museums to welcome visitors for this fiscal year as it is obvious that things won&rsquot be returning back to 'normal' anytime soon.
The V&A has also decided to reopen the &ldquoKimono Kyoto to Catwalk&rdquo exhibition, which will showcase the evolution of the kimono from August 27 to October 25, 2020.
Around 40 galleries and museums are reopening across the UK, including London&rsquos much-loved Tate Modern and Tate Britain.
