Reopening plans for National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh revealed

The new director of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the nation’s busiest visitor attraction, has revealed plans to reopen to the public – after more than five months of enforced shutdown.

Collections care manager Anna Starkey brushes a polar bear in preparation for the reopening of the National Museum of Scotland on 19 August.

Visitors will have to pre-book tickets for the free attraction, which dates back 154 years, when it finally emerges from lockdown on 19 August.

The museum will be reopening more than a month after the date visitor attractions were given and after the Scottish school holidays are over.

It will be keeping some areas closed to ensure physical distancing can be maintained, however its shops and cafes will be operating.

Collections care manager Anna Starkey unveils a Paco Rabanne mannequin in preparation for the reopening of the National Museum of Scotland on 19 August.

The reopening plans are being overseen by Christopher Breward, who took over as director from Dr Gordon Rintoul during the museum’s temporary closure, which was announced on 17 March.

The National Museum, which has been the UK’s busiest attraction outside London in recent years, attracted 2.21 million visitors last year, marginally more than Edinburgh Castle, which is due to reopen on 1 August.

The National Museum of Flight in East Lothian, which is run by National Museums Scotland will open on Wednesday, August 5, while its other attraction, the National Museum of Rural Life in Lanarkshire, will open a week later.

The National Galleries of Scotland has yet to announce reopening dates for its sites in Edinburgh.

However attractions which have reopened in recent weeks include Edinburgh Zoo, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Camera Obscura.

Dr Breward, who was previously director of collection and research at the National Galleries, said: “We’ve missed our visitors and are thrilled to be welcoming them back.

"We’ve enjoyed creating a vibrant digital experience during closure, but nothing compares with that exhilarating feeling which comes from encountering real objects in our unique buildings.

“It’s been a difficult time for so many and we know our museums have a vital role to play in people’s lives – as places to enjoy time with family and friends, promoting wellbeing and offering inspiration through our wonderful collections.

“The safety of staff and visitors is paramount and everyone can feel confident we’ve been working incredibly hard across all of our sites to ensure their visit will be both safe and enjoyable.

"Things may feel a little different when you visit, but we are still here, your much-loved museums, with a few additional measures to keep you safe.”