Reading Museum to reopen next week
The Council says its been working hard to reopen the Museum as soon as possible, with safety at the forefront of all its plans.
There'll be a phased reopening of the Museum and Museum Shop on Tuesday 8 September, initially with a reduced service and opening hours.
The Museum has been certified with the ‘We’re Good To Go’ Industry Standard from Visit Britain, which means it adheres to Government and public health guidance.
The Museum will reopen Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm. The shop hours will be reduced to match Museum opening times.
Pre-book
Importantly, visitors to the Museum will need to pre-book in advance at www.readingmuseum.org.uk/welcome-back
People can book in advance online from today (Tuesday 1 September). From 8 September, anyone who cannot access bookings online can call 0118 9373400 during opening hours.
A meet & greet will operate at the main entrance. Numbers will be limited to allow for social distancing and all visitors will follow a one-way signed route from entry to exit. The website will detail the ‘visitor journey’ allowing visitors to understand the new way of visiting in advance, supported by staff on arrival.
All visitors to be asked to wear face coverings during their visit (if they can) and use the hand sanitiser stations. A queuing system will be in place which could include queuing outside at busy times. For added safety, visitors to the museum shop will be limited in numbers. There will also be enhanced cleaning schedules throughout the building.
Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s Lead Member for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said: “Following our recent successful reopening of Central Library, I am incredibly excited to see our much-loved Museum and shop reopen.
“As ever, the safety of the public and our staff remains our top priority. Our hard-working staff have spent a great deal of time ensuring every preventative measure against the virus has been carefully thought out and are confident we are now ‘Good to Go!’
“We must emphasise that whilst the service will reopen soon, it will not represent a return to normality for some time to come, and it will necessitate operating at a reduced level to accommodate safety measures. Visitors to the Museum will need to book in advance at www.readingmuseum.org.uk/welcome-back and follow safety guidance during their visit, such as wearing masks, following one-way systems and using the hand sanitiser we provide. We also urge people who are unwell to stay at home.
“You can book online from today – come see the Museum’s amazing displays and exhibitions. Where else in the UK can you see a full-size Victorian version of the Bayeux Tapestry in its magnificent entirety! The Museum’s popular ‘Animal: World Art Journeys’ exhibition in the Art Gallery has also been extended.
Not available yet
• Museum school and group visits.
• Museum events, activities, tours & talks.
• The Victorian Schoolroom at the Abbey Gateway and the Riverside Museum will remain closed.
• The Pantry Café.
• The Town Hall Commercial conferencing and events service and Concert Hall will remain closed in line with central government requirements.
Other services
The Berkshire Archaeology Service to continue to operate with staff providing the service remotely. The Coroners’ Court, based within the town hall, has been operating one day per week since 19 May. Similarly, the Ceremony Room at the Town Hall reopened from 11 July