Museums welcome back visitors after four month closure

Published29th July 2020

Ipswich Museum and Christchurch Mansion reopened their doors yesterday for the first time in four months, welcoming a total of 200 visitors.

The venues have been shut since March but have now reopened with a range of safety measures in place.

Visitors need to book a free ticket for a timed slot before they visit and are asked to arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before.

A new one-way system has been introduced with signage in place to direct visitors and advise them to keep their distance. Hand sanitiser stations are available along the route.

The shops are still offering gifts and souvenirs, but contactless payments are encouraged where possible. 

After shutting its doors ahead of schedule, the Ed Sheeran: Made in Suffolk exhibition also made a return having been extended until Sunday 8 November. To celebrate, visitors can get 15% off the exhibition book in store and online - it is the perfect companion to the exhibition.

Cllr Carole Jones, portfolio holder for Ipswich Museums, said: “We are delighted to see so many visitors return to our museums. A lot of work has gone in to making them safe and I am very thankful to all the staff involved.

“Our museums are very special - they give individuals and families the space they need to escape, learn and have fun, all for free. We look forward to welcoming back many more people over the coming weeks and months.”

Both venues are open from 10am – 4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and 11am – 4.30pm on Sunday.

Tickets are available to book for Ipswich Museum and Christchurch Mansion via the Colchester + Ipswich Museums website. Entry to Christchurch Mansion will include the Ed Sheeran: Made in Suffolk Exhibition. 

Issued by the IBC press office (press.office@ipswich.gov.uk).