As a second wave of the coronavirus crisis surges in Europe, countries such as Belgium, Germany, and France have imposed new lockdowns and forced the closure of institutions for a month and, in some cases, potentially longer. Below, a look at some of the major institutions that have planned closures in response. This article will be updated as museums announce their plans.
Latest update: 11/2/20, 3:50 p.m.
Belgium
As Belgium became the epicenter of the second wave in Europe, the country was the first to announce new lockdown measures that impact museums. Though galleries were allowed to stay open, in late October museums were ordered closed until November 19, including…
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BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels
WIELS Center for Contemporary Art, Brussels
France
As cases rose to their highest levels since the spring, French president Emmanuel Macron declared a second lockdown. All non-essential businesses, including museums and galleries, are to remain closed through December 1.
Centre Pompidou, Paris
Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris
Louvre, Paris
Montpellier Contemporain
Musée d’Art Contemporain Lyon
Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville, Paris
Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris
Musée d’Orsay, Paris
Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris
Musée Rodin, Paris
Palais de Tokyo, Paris
Germany
When Germany enacted a new wave of restrictions in early November, guidelines did not include a requirement that museums must close. But some states interpreted them that way, ordering institutions to shutter for November. Some museum directors were displeased with the decision, with around 40 signing an open letter decrying the financial consequences of the closures. (As a result of the restrictions, the Art Cologne fair, which had been postponed from the spring to the fall, was canceled.)
Alte Pinakothek, Munich
Berlin State Museums
Haus der Kunst, Munich
Museum Brandhorst, Munich
Museum Ludwig, Cologne
Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich
Schinkel Pavillon, Berlin
Sweden
After instituting few restrictions during the first wave, five regions in Sweden were advised to take greater caution this time around. In some cases, residents were advised not to go to museums for part of November.
Moderna Museet, Stockholm
United Kingdom
On November 2, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a new lockdown that would see the closure of museums and galleries from November 5 to December 2.
British Museum, London
National Gallery, London
Tate (includes Tate Britain and Tate Modern in London, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St. Ives)
Victoria & Albert Museum, London
Whitechapel Gallery, London