They’ll open in time for the winter school holidays.
Following Premier Dan Andrews’ recent announcement around the next steps to reopen Victoria, the government has revealed Melbourne’s major cultural institutions will reopen this month.
NGV, parts of Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and State Library Victoria will officially reopen to the public on Saturday June 27 announced Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley today.
They will each implement a range of hygiene and physical distancing measures to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. The venues will be required to abide by the Chief Health Officer’s directions for the number of people allowed to occupy spaces.
Melbourne Museum will reopen all of its spaces, as well as IMAX Melbourne. Scienceworks will also offer all its experiences when doors open later this month.
NGV International and NGV Australia will welcome visitors to exhibitions including Collecting Comme and Japanese Modernism while The State Library’s La Trobe Reading Room and the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, alongside other recently overhauled spaces, will be open to the public.
Leading up to the official opening dates, some of these spaces will also offer special access, viewings and programs for small community groups.
NGV will give priority access to community members who face additional challenges in experiencing the gallery as well as hosting special interest groups over the coming weeks. Across the same period, Melbourne Museum will welcome back members as well as children with autism and their families.
The State Library will reopen its ground floor information centre and Cowen Gallery to community members with limited access to wifi and other communication technology.
Arts Centre Melbourne will stagger its reopening, starting with its outdoor cafe, Protagonist. From June 27, Arts Centre Melbourne will also offer self-guided tours of the Theatres Building, unique food and beverage experiences, the Australian Music Vault exhibition and Ghostly Machines – a technology experience at Hamer Hall.
“We desperately want to open our theatres to the many incredibly talented performers and artists who call our stages home,” said Arts Centre Melbourne in a statement. “The reality is that how we present performances in the coming months may look very different. But we are a creative industry and I’m confident we’ll come up with some very creative solutions.”
In addition to reopening to the public, each venue will continue to offer their virtual experiences.
“Even with their lights off and doors closed, our cultural institutions have continued to entertain and connect millions of people in Victoria and beyond with innovative virtual experiences. But nothing beats the real thing,” said Minister Foley.
“Our venues will put the right measures in place so Victorians can confidently and safely visit our many fantastic cultural attractions in the school holidays and beyond.”
For more information, visit the venue websites.
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