Coronavirus, museums in Austria could reopen by mid-May

Museums in Austria will most likely reopen from mid-May, the Austrian government announced yesterday. With, to date, 14,623 cases out of a population of 8.9 million (1 case for every 608 inhabitants), Austria has so far been affected less than Italy (1 case for every 349 inhabitants), but it has been in lockdown since March 16, even though it has been under lighter restrictive measures than ours (people can leave their homes to do outdoor activities, even if alone or in the company of people with whom they share a home). However, the measures will be relaxed in the coming days: some stores, for example, are already reopening.

“From mid-May,” said Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler, “places of art and culture, starting with museums, will be able to reopen.” The same could happen to libraries, albeit with restrictions to prevent congregation situations (so reading rooms will not be reopened). However, the exact day has not yet been determined. The indication for museums, however, will not be a requirement: the director of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Sabine Haag, has already let it be known, reiterating what was communicated in a note last April 9, that the reopening of the great museum in Vienna is most likely scheduled for July 1.

As for major music events (festivals, concerts and the like), however, no hope: the ban, initially in effect until the end of June, has been extended until August 31. Smaller concerts (i.e., where the minimum distance between people can be guaranteed) will instead be allowed starting in July. Musicians, on the other hand, will be able to resume playing in rehearsal rooms from June 1, while individual rehearsals will be allowed from May 18: this, however, applies only to professionals, while amateur musicians are not yet allowed to rehearse in groups.

Pictured: the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna

Coronavirus, museums in Austria could reopen by mid-May

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