Chelmsford Museum is getting ready to welcome visitors on 17 May if the Government follows its roadmap out of lockdown as planned.
The museum at Oaklands Park has recently had a complete makeover and it’s home to beautifully curated collections about the city’s story and the Essex Regiment Museum.
Here’s everything you need to know about booking your spot at one of Chelmsford’s best-loved attractions.
Book before you visit the museum
You won’t be too surprised to hear that things will be a little different at first. Since stage 3 only marks the next phase of the roadmap rather than a complete lifting of Covid-19 measures, some restrictions will be in place.
The most important thing to remember is that even though the museum is free, you’ll need to book. Tickets will be available a week at a time and you’ll be able to book a slot for the following week.
One household per slot
The museum will be open between 11am and 4pm Monday to Sunday and one group of up to six people from the same household will be able to book into a timeslot.
You’ll have plenty of time to explore, following an easy one-way system through the galleries, with ten minutes on your own in each room. Remember to bring a face covering to wear inside unless you’re exempt.
Keeping you safe
Visitors will be able to see most of the museum’s collections from May 17, but interactive terminals and games will be switched off for now until Covid rules are relaxed.
The museum’s famous bees have been on holiday during lockdown, but they’ll be back at some point in the coming weeks and young visitors will be able to catch up with Boris the bear as soon as the doors to Oaklands House open again.
Free guides to download
Don’t forget, there are great resources available for your visit. You can download a free guide to the museum and there are trails around Oaklands Park too.
If you aren’t able to access digital versions and you need a paper copy instead, just ask at the front desk when you arrive for your slot.
Visit the museum website
Find out everything you need to know on the museum website, including a link to the booking page and a handy short animation about what to expect: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museum/reopening