Museum celebrates record rise in visitors before COVID-19 closure

Hastings Museum & Art Gallery saw an impressive rise in visitor numbers post-COVID-19, between April 2019 and March 2020. The museum had over 63,500 visitors across the year leading up to the pandemic, which was nearly 20,000 above their target and the number of visitors in the previous year.

Despite the museum having to close at the end of March as a result of COVID-19, the team quickly adapted to deliver a digital programme; #HastingsDigitalMuseum which was hugely successful. Hastings Digital Museum reached nearly 1.9m digital devices and focused on creating activities to keep people busy during lockdown.

Cllr Colin Fitzgerald, lead councillor for Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said,

"We're thrilled to see such a huge increase in the number of visitors to Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, the highest ever. The team work very hard to put on new and exciting exhibitions and projects, and it's great to see that this hard work paid off.

"The forced closure of the museum because of COVID-19 was a great shame, however the team showed their creativity and went above and beyond to adapt their work. As a result they had a very successful digital programme. The museum re-opened in August and since then has seen a real increase in first time visitors. We are delighted that people have been inspired by Hastings Digital Museum and are coming to visit the museum in person now it is open once again."

The museum is open Thursdays to Sundays and has introduced new Covid-19 secure measures, including a one-way route, enhanced cleaning routines and hand sanitisers throughout the museum. The shop has been restocked with a great selection of souvenirs, many from local supplies. Contactless transactions will be encouraged, but cash is still accepted.

Visitors can explore the museum and are be able to see old favourites, such as Grey Owl's cabin, Lady Brassey's collections and the Story of Hastings Gallery. Some of the permanent displays have been also been refreshed while the museum has been closed. Alongside, 'Hastings Open 2020' (27 August 2020 - 3 January 2021) is the museum's first open call exhibition and features both local and international artists. The open call earlier this year saw over 1500 artworks submitted for consideration, and this exhibition brings together a vibrant selection of contemporary art. Chosen by a guest panel of practising artists and gallery owners it highlights the truly remarkable contemporary art scene locally with some special pieces from around the world.

To manage the number of people in the museum visitors will need to?book a free timed ticket in advance. This can be done in advance through www.hmag.org.uk. If visitors do not have access to the internet, they can book by phone on 01424 451052. There will be a reduced number of bookable tickets available on Sunday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm, this is to help reduce the numbers of visitors in the museum further and create a perfect time for those who are nervous about visiting or fall into the most vulnerable group to visit.