The National Science and Media Museum and Pictureville Cinema will be temporarily closed to the public from Thursday 5 November until Thursday 3 December as England enters a period of lockdown.
In line with the government’s announcement of intensified coronavirus restrictions across England, the five museums that make up the Science Museum Group will all close to the public during this period. This includes the Science Museum in London; National Railway Museum in York; Science and Industry Museum in Manchester; National Science and Media Museum in Bradford; and Locomotion in Shildon, County Durham.
Recognising that the government is keeping the end date for the new restrictions under review, the Science Museum Group will communicate any change to the date when the museums can reopen.
Visitors who have booked tickets to the museum and cinemas between 5 November and 2 December will be contacted with more information as soon as possible. Tickets to visit the museum and for a number of IMAX screenings from early December onwards are already available to book online.
While the museums’ doors will be closed for a while, the Science Museum Group’s incredible collection—and the inspirational stories it contains—remain open to audiences online. Teams from across the museums will continue to find new ways to ignite the public’s curiosity and lift their spirits during the next few weeks of lockdown.
Commenting on the temporary closure of the National Science and Media Museum, Director, Jo Quinton-Tulloch, said:
“While we are incredibly saddened to have to temporarily close the museum after a successful few months since we reopened in August, the safety of our visitors and staff must be our top priority at this difficult time. We are hugely grateful to the public for their ongoing support this past year and look forward to welcoming them back in December. In the meantime, we hope that people stay safe and are able to interact with the museum online and feel inspired by our wonderful collections and stories.”
Sir Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive of the Science Museum Group, has also provided an update on the temporary closure of the museums on the Group blog.
ENDS
For further information, images or interview requests, please contact: Katie Canning, National Science and Media Museum: katie.canning@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk 01274 203 027
The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, West Yorkshire, opened in 1983, and has since become one of the most visited UK museums outside London. The museum explores the science and culture of image and sound technologies, creating special exhibitions, interactive galleries and activities for families and adults. It is home to three cinemas, including Europe’s first IMAX cinema screen and the world’s only public Cinerama screen outside the USA. Entry to the museum is free.
