Museums, exhibitions and art galleries under ministry of culture allowed to reopen from November 10, 2020, onwards, while others would be reopened as per convenience and in tune with relevant state, city and local laws.

Based on the Unlock 5.0 Guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and after taking into consideration suggestions received from various stakeholders in the culture and creative industry, the ministry of culture has also issued detailed SOPs for reopening of museums, art galleries and exhibitions. These guidelines shall come into effect immediately and shall continue to be in effect until further orders. However, no museums or art galleries shall re-open inside containment zones.

These guidelines contain Standard Operating Procedures to be followed by the management of museums, art galleries and exhibitions (both temporary and permanent), as well as the visitors to these spaces. Comprehensive guidelines have been issued for adequate cleaning, purchase of tickets and for ensuring safety of visitors and staff at museums, exhibitions and art galleries.

Further, states and UT governments may consider proposing additional measures as per their field assessment. Add to this, the national directives for Covid-19 management and the relevant guidelines issued by the ministry of home affairs, ministry of health & family welfare, state and UT governments shall be strictly complied with during all activities and operations.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, all museums and art galleries under administrative control of the culture ministry were closed from March 17, 2020 and have been closed since. Since the festive season is here, it was decided to reopen all museums, art galleries and exhibitions with effect from November 10, 2020.