Major cultural institutions to reopen in time for school holidays
Melbourne's major cultural institutions will open their doors later this month as the city begins to emerge from coronavirus-induced lockdowns.
The Melbourne Museum, National Gallery of Victoria and the Arts Centre Melbourne will re-open to the public on Saturday, June 27. IMAX Melbourne and Scienceworks will open on the same day, which coincides with the start of the winter school holidays.
The NGV will open its doors later this month.Credit:Eddie Jim
The major institutions plan to monitor visitor numbers to ensure social distancing. On-site cleaning and hand sanitisation stations will also feature prominently at all venues.
Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell said she was delighted to welcome visitors in time for the school holidays.
“The health and safety of all our visitors, staff and volunteers is our highest priority,” Ms Crosswell said. “We’ve been meticulously planning so that our visitors can safely enjoy our museums and theatre."
IMAX will screen films from its back-catalogue due to a lack of new releases. The NGV, meanwhile, will implement "timed ticketing" to prevent overcrowding.
“The NGV will ensure appropriate public health and physical distancing measures are put in place to ensure the safety of our staff and visitors,” director Tony Ellwood said.
Arts Centre Melbourne plans to re-open its outdoor cafe, Protagonist, later this month and provide self-guided tours of its theatres as a workaround to the long list of productions that have been cancelled due to COVID-19. It will also stage Ghostly Machines - a massive, choreographed lighting display from 2014 - in Hamer Hall.
“We’re very excited about reopening our buildings after having to make the difficult but necessary decision to close more than three months ago,” Arts Centre boss Claire Spencer said in a statement. “We’re closely following Victorian Government guidance as we take this cautious first step in getting back to bringing the wonder of the performing arts to Victorians.”
Virtual experiences, such as Melbourne Museum's "at home" project, will continue for those who are unable or don't wish to travel to the city.
Victorian Arts Minister Martin Foley praised galleries, museums and theatres for finding ways to keep the public entertained during lockdown.
“Even with their lights off and doors closed, our cultural institutions have continued to entertain and connect millions of people in Victoria and beyond with innovative virtual experiences,” Mr Foley said. “But nothing beats the real thing.”
Meanwhile, some smaller venues have opened their doors from today. Up to 20 people are allowed in libraries, museums and cafes as long as social-distancing measures are followed.