Locomotion in Shildon has become the first venue in the Science Museum Group to reopen after lockdown.
As part of preparing for re-opening, the museum at Shildon has introduced some significant changes designed to keep the site safe and comfortable.
Visitors will be required to book a timed slot in advance. Tickets are free and available from the museum’s website, and overall visitor numbers will be limited each day to avoid overcrowding.
The museum also urges visitors to wash their hands with the hand sanitiser stations available and to avoid touching objects in the exhibition.
Safety advice also includes keeping a distance from other visitors and wearing a face mask while in the museum.
The museum has also implemented a one-way system and have closed some of the experiences the museum offers.
Along with the reopening, the museum also will welcome the world's first iron railway bridge back to County Durham for a permanent display.
Designed by renowned railway pioneer George Stephenson, Gaunless Bridge is the first iron railway bridge in the world.
Built in 1823 in Newcastle upon Tyne, the bridge spanned the River Gaunless in West Auckland, County Durham, on the Stockton & Darlington Railway, a location just a short distance from Shildon.
Judith McNicol, Director of the National Railway Museum, said: ‘When we closed the doors of Locomotion and the other museums in the Science Museum Group in March, none of us knew when we might be able to welcome back visitors.
"So being here today in Shildon to celebrate the re-opening of Locomotion is a hugely significant and emotional moment.
"I am incredibly proud of the work that the team here in Shildon have done to make the museum a safe space, ready to be enjoyed once again by visitors. Our museums are nothing without them.’
Terry Collins, Chief Executive of Durham County Council, said: “It is absolutely fantastic that Locomotion has been able to reopen safely to the public and will once again welcome visitors to the museum.
"The Gaunless Bridge is an important part of County Durham’s heritage, and railway history globally, so the move will not only see this piece return to its cultural home but will attract visitors from across the county and further afield who will all be eager to see the new exhibition.”
Locomotion was first opened by then Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2004, as a partnership between Sedgefield Borough Council and the National Railway Museum, with funding from both partners and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The museum currently welcomes around 200,000 visitors each year and is England’s most northerly national museum. Locomotion has received more than 2.5m visitors since opening.
