4 December Update: The Science Museum and National Railway Museum have now reopened to the public. The Science and Industry Museum, National Science and Media Museum and Locomotion remain closed due to the ongoing Tier 3 restrictions in England.
Following the Government’s announcement of intensified coronavirus restrictions across England, the five museums that make up the Science Museum Group will close to the public from Thursday 5 November until Thursday 3 December.
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.
Closing our doors to visitors is all the more difficult having witnessed people’s joyful return following the initial lockdown that began in March.
I am immensely grateful for the support of our visitors, partners and, of course, our colleagues up and down the country who have worked tirelessly to provide a safe and enjoyable day out for more than 325,000 people since we re-opened in the summer.
As the nation comes together once again to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, our immediate priority is the health and welfare of our visitors and colleagues and our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected by COVID-19.
Our museums have a vital role to play in uplifting and inspiring the public and we look forward to opening our doors once again in early December (you can book your next visit to our museums using the links above).
Recognising that the Government is keeping the end date for the new restrictions under review, we will be in touch should there be any change to the date when our museums can re-open.
While our doors will be closed for a while, our incredible collection – and the inspirational stories it contains – remain open to our audiences online. Our talented teams, who have dealt so professionally with the challenges of the past few months, will continue to find new ways to ignite your curiosity and lift your spirits during these dark winter days.
Thank you for supporting our museums and for pulling together once more at a time of grave challenge for the nation.
Please stay safe.