Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery to welcome back visitors on 23rd June

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), a central part of the cultural life of Tasmanians will be reopening on Tuesday, 23rd June 2020. The reopening of TMAG includes the Museum Shop, however, the Courtyard Café, which is operated as a separate licenced venue, has made a business decision not to reopen until September 2020.

The two house museums managed by TMAG in Battery Point, Narryna and Markree House Museum and Garden will reopen on 1st September 2020. Markree will reopen by appointment only.

The reopening of TMAG is an important step in the resumption of public life over the coming weeks and months as ways are sought to bring communities back together.

TMAG Director, Janet Carding advised “The role of museums as a place for telling stories, to gather together, reflect on shared experiences and create a sense of belonging and understanding has never been more important as we slowly emerge from isolation.

“We are really looking forward to reconnecting with the Tasmanian community and sharing all the wonderful things your museum has to offer.”

Tasmanian Minister for the Arts, Elise Archer advises that the State Government “has been working closely with TMAG during the COVID-19 pandemic and we have provided $3 million in stimulus funding to fast-track important maintenance works whilst the museum has been closed to the public.

“This is in addition to our $1 million funding commitment that will allow TMAG to build a new permanent children’s exhibition, which is scheduled to open in April 2021.”

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors, the museum will introduce physical distancing and extra hygiene measures in addition to attendance restrictions.

Number limits will be managed via the introduction of a free online bookings system and bookings will now be essential for all visitors.

At this stage, group bookings greater than six people are not possible. Larger group bookings will be available in late July at the start of Term 3, to ensure learners can get the most out of their TMAG experience.

TMAG has enjoyed being able to welcome and connect with visitors virtually during their closure period, and will continue to offer a range of online activities, resources and programs for visitors to enjoy as part of the TMAG from Home initiative.

Building on the success of its virtual program, the museum has designed an innovative approach to reconnecting with visitors when it reopens its doors.

Visitors will be treated to special ‘pop-up’ interpretations throughout the galleries, devised and delivered by TMAG’s Visitor Services Officers who have enjoyed being able to share their own personal insights and favourite treasures as part of the online Visit with a VSO series.

Visitors will also be excited to learn about a new exhibition that will be available to explore when the museum reopens, Exquisite Habits, (pictured above) which features the botanic art of Tasmanian artist Stephanie Dean. 

In addition, West: Out on the Edge (pictured top) will now remain on show in TMAG’s Argyle Galleries until 18th October 2020, giving the public more chances to explore Tasmania's unique West through this captivating multi-disciplinary exhibition.

For more information and to make an online booking to visit TMAG from 23rd June go to the TMAG website at www.tmag.tas.gov.au

Images top: West: Out on the Edge will now remain on show in TMAG’s Argyle Galleries until 18th October 2020; image above Exquisite Habits, which features the botanic art of Tasmanian artist Stephanie Dean.