Reopening of key museums is welcome but cannot be the end of the story

Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary, responding to news that museums in South Kensington are to start opening from August, said:

“These museums are a vital part of the cultural life of our country so the announcement of the phased reopening of museums in South Kensington, as well as the Science Museum Group museums around the country, is welcome and will be a relief to those workers currently furloughed and worrying about their future.

“Prospect has been working with the Natural History Museum, Science Museum Group and Victoria and Albert Museum to make sure that any opening can be done in a way which is safe both for staff and visitors.

“These museums are heavily reliant on income from non-public funds and with footfall expected to remain low the reopening announced today cannot be the end of the story. The government needs to  make sure rescue funding gets to where it’s needed so we can continue to provide the public with vital access to our heritage.”