The Samikhsya Bureau
New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Culture has allowed re-opening of the museums, art galleries, and exhibitions across the country from November 10 in accordance with the SOP issued by the Government.
“Based on the Unlock 5.0 Guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs and after taking into consideration suggestions received from various stakeholders in cultural affairs, Ministry of Culture now issues detailed SOPs for “Re-opening of Museums, Art Galleries and Exhibitions” on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19,” the Ministry statement maintained.
These guidelines contain Standard Operating Procedures to be followed by the management of museums, art galleries and exhibitions – both temporary and permanent – as well as the visitors to these spaces, it stressed.
Comprehensive guidelines have been issued for adequate cleaning, purchase of tickets and for ensuring safety of visitors and staff at museums, exhibitions and art galleries, the statement added.
“It is clarified that no museums and/or art galleries shall re-open inside containment zones. Further, State/UT Governments may consider proposing additional measures as per their field assessment”, the Ministry clarified.
“These guidelines shall come into effect immediately, and shall continue to be in effect until further orders. While the museums, exhibitions and art galleries under Ministry of Culture would reopened from 10 November, 2020 onwards, others can be reopened as per convenience and in tune with relevant State/city /local laws, rules and regulations/unlock guidelines in force”, the order clarified.
All museums and art galleries under administrative control of the ministry of Culture were closed since 17 March, 2020 in view of the pandemic.
