STEAM, Museum of the Great Western Railway, based in Swindon, has announced that it will reopen to the public on Thursday 27th May 2021.
Owned and operated by Swindon Borough Council, the museum has achieved a ‘Good to Go’ certification to show that safety measures have been put in place and guidance followed, including enhanced cleaning, one way systems and reduced capacity.
Visitors to the museum will have to wear a face-covering whilst in the museum (unless exempt) and will have to adhere to social distancing.
All visitors will need to book a timed slot on the STEAM Museum website, and once in the museum, visitors can stay as long as they want until the museum closes that day.
Two new exhibitions will launch when the museum reopens, including ‘GWR Shipping’ which explores the companies ships at sea and how the GWR played an important role in evacuating Dunkirk during the Second World War. The other exhibition to launch is ‘Through the Window’ which will showcase artwork from Swindon Museum and Art Gallery thanks to a collaboration between the two museums.
The Shop at STEAM will be open, but the Platform One Cafe will be closed, however, STEAM has made a dedicated space for visitors to enjoy their brought-from-home picnics.
An interactive train simulator, GWR signal box, museum trails and activity book (£4.95) will keep youngsters entertained this half term.
Frances Yeo, STEAM Museum Manager said “We’re thrilled to be reopening STEAM on 27 May and we look forward to once again sharing our incredible collections and special exhibitions with our visitors. We have implemented a range of tried and tested measures to aid social distancing and maintain cleanliness within the Museum, so visitors can safely enjoy our displays. STEAM’s Great Western Hall continues to be the venue of Swindon’s life-saving COVID-19 vaccination centre and I know many local people will take up the opportunity to support the museum, while learning more about Swindon’s heritage and the story of the Great Western Railway.”
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Even though I’ve still not yet visited nor checked it out ‘in-person’… I’d like to Wish the GWR Steam Locomotive Musem, Good Luck, on it’s Forthcoming Reopening During 2021.