Hastings Museum And Art Gallery Prepares To Welcome Visitors

Monday, 3 August 2020 10:54

By Iona Stewart-Richardson @IslandIona

From the 27 of this month (August), Hastings Museum and Art Gallery will start welcoming members of the public.

The site has now achieved its Visit Britain’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ certification - recognising it as a Covid secure attraction.

Hand sanitiser stations will be provided throughout the museum, extra cleaning routines are in place, including for the toilets and visitors will be encouraged to maintain social distancing. Visitors must also wear a facemask while in the museum.

To manage the number of people in the museum at any one time, all visitors will need to book a free timed ticket in advance.

This can be done online up to 14 days in advance through www.hmag.org.uk. If visitors do not have access to the internet, they can book by phone on 01424 451052. 

There will be a reduced number of bookable tickets available on Sunday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm, this is to help reduce the numbers of visitors in the museum further and create a perfect time for those who are nervous about visiting or fall into the most vulnerable group to visit. 

Councillor Colin Fitzgerald, lead cabinet member for Regeneration, Culture and Tourism said,  

“We are delighted to be able to safely open our popular museum again. The safety of our visitors and staff remains a priority and a lot of hard work has gone into putting these new measures in place, to comply with government guidance. You will notice we have made a few changes including a new one-way route to assist social distancing. Visitors will also have to wear a face mask when inside the museum, to help keep everyone safe. Our friendly staff will be on hand for support to help visitors to enjoy themselves safely. Don’t forget to book your free timed tickets before visiting.  

“In recognition of the many groups that have helped support Hastings through lockdown the museum is inviting them to the new-look museum from 20 August. The museum will be reaching out to Hastings Community Hub workers and those who helped make Hastings Digital Museum a success and got involved with the Covid journal project and responded to our Black Lives Matter community callout.” 

The museum will be open each week from Thursday to Sunday 10am–12.30pm and 2–5pm.  

For full details on opening hours and how to book your free tickets go to www.hmag.org.uk.   