‘We don’t know what we’ve got till it’s gone’

There’s a buzz around Manchester’s People’s History Museum as it reopens. Director Katy Ashton explains what they’ve done so people can visit safely

When the People’s History Museum – the national museum of democracy – closed its doors last autumn, staff were quick to create online resources so that visitors could still experience the exhibits. But, as the museum’s director Katy Ashton explains, nothing beats a wander round the space. And as it reopens its doors, her team are doing everything they can to make visitors feel safe and comfortable.

“Last year we were able to open for a couple of months when restrictions were lifted, so we did a lot of work and got a Good to Go accreditation from Visit Britain,” says Katy.

“Everybody has to register for a ticket before they come – that’s something we didn’t have previously. Now you book a time slot, which helps us to manage with the flow and ensure we’ve got capacity in the building. We’ve also installed hand sanitiser points and increased signage around to encourage people to behave responsibly and to share the space.

“I’m feeling really optimistic and hopeful for people to have access to culture and art, galleries and theatres,” Katy adds. “None of us knows what we’ve got till it’s gone, and people have really missed that connection with culture and heritage, so we’re really pleased to be very close to opening right now.”