Hastings Museum and Art Gallery will be welcoming its first visitors from Thursday?August 27th.

The museum has won the coveted Visit Britain’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ certification, recognising it as a ‘Covid secure’ attraction. The?museum will?be?open?each week?from?Thursday to Sunday 10am–12.30pm and 2–5pm.?? 

The museum’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ status has been achieved by implementing measures such as a?one-way route, to allow people to explore the fascinating building and collections safely. Hand sanitising stations have been set up 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 face mask while in the museum. Reusable and washable face masks will be available to buy on entry.? 

To manage the number of people in the museum at any one time,?all visitors will need to?book a free timed. 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 who are in one of the most vulnerable groups.? 

Councillor?Colin Fitzgerald, lead cabinet member?for Regeneration, Culture and Tourism?says: “We are?delighted?to be?able to safely open our 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. ?Our staff will be on hand?for?support, to help visitors?enjoy themselves safely.

“In recognition of the many groups that have helped support Hastings through lockdown, the museum is inviting them in from August 20th. 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.”? 

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