5 museums and galleries in Salisbury reopening from May 17

The next phase of the easing of lockdown restrictions will see cinemas, theatres and museums reopen alongside hotels, hostels and B&Bs.

From Monday (May 17) people will be able to meet inside a pub or a restaurant, go to the cinema, and children will be able to use indoor play areas.

This is part of the third phase in the Prime Minister’s “roadmap” out of lockdown.

Here are some of the arts venues reopening in and around Salisbury:

Salisbury Museum

The Salisbury Museum is to reopen on Monday and will be open every day from10am to 5pm.

When it reopens it will launch the Richard Chopping: The Original Bond Artist exhibition.

Salisbury Museum (Image: Newsquest)

Chopping illustrated the book covers for nine of Ian Fleming’s James Bond books, from 1957 to 1966.

A statement on its website said: "We are delighted to confirm that The Salisbury Museum will re-open its doors to visitors on 17 May 2021.

"We will be open 7-days a week from 10am to 5pm - admission charges apply and pre-booking is not required.

"Admission includes the Tudor LEGO® brick display, which runs throughout the museum, and the special exhibition 'Richard Chopping: The Original Bond Artist' from 17 May to 3 October 2021, as well as the main galleries.

"We look forward to welcoming you back!"

Visit: salisburymuseum.org.uk

Young Gallery

The Young Gallery, which is above Salisbury Library, in Salisbury is preparing to welcome back the public from Thursday (May 20)

John Bruce, of the Young Gallery Supporters group, said: "It’s been a long time coming but we’re so pleased to be able to welcome visitors again at last, and we’re celebrating this with a very special exhibition of watercolours by our founder and namesake, the Victorian artist Edwin Young.”

Edwin Young - Cottages East Harnham

The gallery will open with reduced hours in line with the Salisbury Library opening hours.

Gallery 1 will be exhibiting it’s Permanent Collection including photography, painting, sculpture and drawing.

Some of the art works include a newly acquired Elizabeth Blackadder watercolour and a rare Constable etching of Milford Bridge.

Gallery 2 will be exhibiting Harnham watercolours by Edwin Young.

There is also a virtual display of these paintings available online.

Visit: younggallerysalisbury.co.uk

Wilton House

Wilton House will also be welcoming back visitors on Monday, initially on a pre-booked basis, and there will be guided tours.

A statement said it was pleased to be reopening and added: "During the period the House has been closed, a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes.

"Various conservation works have been undertaken to the public State Rooms and, following a two-year project to conserve a collection of medieval stained glass found stored at Wilton, we now have this on show in the Lower Cloisters.

Wilton House DC9025P2 Picture by Tom Gregory.

"We have introduced visiting to the House by guided tour and we hope this will provide a more in-depth experience and a personal welcome."

Several of the attractions including the Adventure Playground, the film and the Cecil Beaton photography and Classic Car exhibitions will initially remain closed, but Wilton Houses says it will be regularly reviewing this in line with government guidelines.

The Café will be open from Monday but serving a more limited menu.

Visit: wiltonhouse.co.uk

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection is due to reopen from Tuesday, May 18.

The collection is located at hangar one on Old Sarum Airfield.

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection. Picture by Spencer Mulholland

Visit: boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk

The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum

The museum, which is located in The Close, Salisbury says it is planning to open from Monday.

Visit: thewardrobe.org.uk

Regal Cinema, Fordingbridge

The Regal Cinema in Fordingbridge will be reopening on Monday.

The first films being screened on the opening week are Tenet (May 17), Parasite (May 19) and Bait (22). Capacity has had to be reduced.

Bridget Mulrooney, operations and film programming manager, said: "We are beyond excited to be opening again on Monday 17th.

"It has been a tough year of closures for us but we’re hoping that it’s third time lucky and that this time around we’ll be open for good.

The Regal Cinema, Fordingbridge. DC8220P12..Picture by Tom Gregory.

 

"It’s been exceptionally encouraging to see so many people booking their tickets – we can’t wait to welcome you all back to The Regal," added Bridget.

"Our team of staff and volunteers are eager to get going with screenings again. We’ve missed you all."

Changes from Monday

A number of restrictions are being lifted including the number of people allowed to meet outside, indoor gatherings of up to six people will be allowed and social contact with loved ones will be allowed.

From next week, people will be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to 30 and meet indoors in groups of six, or two households.

Pubs and restaurants will be able to serve customers indoors, although they will be limited to table service.

Cinemas, museums, theatres and concert halls will be allowed to reopen although there will be capacity limits on large events.

The “stay in the UK” restriction will be lifted and people will be able to travel to “green list” countries, such as Portugal although they are still being advised not to go to destinations on the amber list.

Within England, all remaining accommodation including hotels, hostels and B&Bs can re-open, with domestic overnight stays allowed in groups of up to 6 people or two households.

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