In just over two weeks Hastings Museum and Art Gallery will be throwing open its doors to the public once again.

Following the museum’s recent closure due to Covid restrictions the museum plans to reopen its doors from Thursday to Sunday each week from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm until 5pm starting on May 20th.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the amazing automata from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre in the museum’s new summer exhibition, Ingenious Contraptions. They will also be able to see old favourites, such as the Seaside Gallery, the Durbar Hall and the Before Hastings Gallery. The shop has also been refreshed and restocked with souvenirs, many from local suppliers.

To ensure the museum is ready for both tourists and local visitors over the summer season it has undergone a deep clean and has fully reviewed the Covid-19 secure measures it has in place.

These measures include a one-way route around the building and limits on the number of people in the building. Hand sanitiser stations have been placed throughout the museum and?extra cleaning routines are in place. Reusable and washable facemasks are also available to buy on entry to ensure that the museum is as safe as possible.?

All visitors are asked to book a free timed ticked in advance, this can be done?through?www.hmag.org.uk. If?visitors?do not have internet, they can phone 01424 451052 to book. The museum has a very low number of spaces on Sunday afternoons for those who are nervous about visiting or fall into the most vulnerable groups.

Damian Etherington, Museum and Cultural Development Manager, said: “I am delighted that we can reopen in May and welcome back local communities and visitors alike. The team have been working hard to prepare the building and are looking forward to opening the much-anticipated Ingenious Contraptions exhibition.

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