Bristol's museums will reopen in the second and third weeks of September, Bristol City Council has announced.
Following more than five months of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, M Shed, Bristol Archives and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery will all reopen to visitors once again next month.
M Shed and Bristol Archives will reopen on Tuesday, September 8 while Bristol Museum & Art Gallery will re-open the following week on Tuesday, September 15.
All three sites have undergone rigorous risk assessments to ensure they are COVID-secure, said a council spokesperson, and have "appropriate measures in place" to keep both visitors and staff safe.
Councillor Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor of Bristol, said: "Many of Bristol’s cultural organisations were able to adapt during lockdown and deliver fantastic events and activities online, but there is nothing quite like experiencing real places, objects and stories in person.
"Arts and culture play such a huge part of the city’s health, wellbeing and identity, and they will be an integral part of our recovery following the effects of COVID-19.
"The team is really looking forward to welcoming back visitors in a safe and enjoyable way."
Visitor numbers will be limited at each of the venues to enable social distancing and all visits must now be booked in advance.
There will be priority timeslots on a regular basis for vulnerable groups, disabled visitors, and families with children with special educational needs.
Visitors will get a second chance to see the exhibitions that were originally scheduled to finish during lockdown.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019 has been extended until October 4, 2020 at M Shed while Do you believe in magic? and Being Human at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery have been extended until February 28 and April 5 2021 respectively.
M Shed and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery have also achieved 'We’re Good To Go' accreditation from Visit England - an industry standard for UK tourism.
Pre-booking opens on Tuesday, September 1 on the Bristol Museums website.
Entry remains free at all sites, although donations are always welcome.
Do you feel safe going back to museums? Let us know in the comments below.
