Coronavirus: Museums, Galleries and Historic Buildings

How will government policy support the re-opening of museums, galleries and historic buildings affected by the coronavirus pandemic? This briefing examines recent developments.

In March 2020, the Government announced a nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus. This included the closure of tourism sites, such as museums, galleries and historic buildings. In response to the pandemic, the Government introduced several measures to support businesses retain employees and to help businesses with their income. These include: 

• museums and art galleries with a rateable value below £51,000 paying no business rates over the next financial year;
• the coronavirus job retention scheme, which allows employers to apply for a grant that covers 80 percent of an employee’s monthly wage (up to £2,500 a month);
• the coronavirus business interruption loan, which helps small and medium-sized businesses access loans of up to £5 million. However, museums run by public bodies are not eligible for the loan;
• the coronavirus large business interruption loan scheme, which helps businesses with an annual turnover of more than £45 million apply for loans of up to £25 million; and
• the bounce back loan scheme, allowing small businesses to apply for loans up to £50,000.

On 5 May 2020, the parliamentary under secretary at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nigel Huddleston, stated that the Government had held “multiple recent discussions” with tourism businesses on developing guidance to help facilitate the re-opening of businesses. However, the Government would “continue to be guided by the latest medical advice”. Further, on 11 May 2020, the Government published its Covid-19 recovery strategy. In the strategy, the Government stated that its ambition was to open some leisure venues no earlier than 4 July 2020.

In addition to the Government’s measures, the National Lottery Heritage Fund recently announced a £50 million emergency fund for UK heritage organisations affected by the pandemic. Similarly, Arts Council England have made £160 million available for organisations and individuals in the cultural sector that have been impacted.

On 21 May 2020, Lord Cormack (Conservative) is due to ask Her Majesty’s Government “what steps they are taking to support (1) museums, (2) galleries, and (3) historic buildings open to the public, affected by the restrictions in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic”.