National Army Museum Reopens To The Public

The National Army Museum has reopened to the public following an easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Located in Chelsea, west London, the museum welcomed 150 visitors who had pre booked tickets  -  not that dissimilar to midweek numbers before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The museum's doors have remained closed for the majority of the last year, but have offered an online public programme of events, a virtual programme for schools and online family days.

However Emily Robins, Family Learning Producer at the National Army Museum, told Forces News the virtual programmes cannot replace visiting the museum in person.

"I think virtual is fantastic, but it can’t replace that kind of face-to-face contact, that engaging really closely with an object and hearing those first hand soldier stories," she said.

"I think it’s really important that people come back, come out and support us as well because we’ve got so much to offer." 

And support is needed.

Dawn Watkins, Assistant Director of Enterprise at the National Army Museum, told Forces News the museum has "definitely seen a drop in income" during the pandemic.

Ms Watkins explained the National Army Museum’s venue hire, shop, children’s soft play base and cafe all contribute to its finances.

"Those income streams have definitely diminished," she said.

"We’ve been able to generate some money through our online shop and by charging for some of our public programmes, but we've definitely seen a drop in income.

"We've been very lucky the Army has continued to support us through its grant in aid and that has really, really helped keep us going during this period."

In July last year, the museum reopened its doors after being shut for nearly four months over the coronavirus pandemic.

The museum will now be open from Wednesday to Sunday for the foreseeable future.