European network calls for ‘sustainable plan’ to reopen museums

An independent network of national museum organisations is calling for "a comprehensive and sustainable plan" to reopen all museums across Europe.

The Network of European Museum Organisations (NEMO) said in a statement: "Museums in Europe are ready to reopen, to reactivate urban life and to accompany people in the new normal." 

The call is accompanied by a country-specific overview of museum operations during the pandemic that features 31 European countries, including the UK. It outlines reopenings, national guidelines and "advocacy measures" in each country.

NEMO said museums have an important role during the pandemic, encouraging social cohesion as places of "democratic debate and social understanding" while also providing educational and emotional support.

The statement continued: "NEMO asks policy makers at all levels to acknowledge that museums are a resource, instead of an additional cost, in crises times. Museums now need comprehensive and sustainable frameworks and processes to open their doors to the public and stay open during the fluctuating pandemic situation."