ONE of Bolton's most popular attractions will reopen this week with a raft of strict new health and safety measures in place.

Bolton Museum will welcome back its visitors on Tuesday, nearly four months after it closed to the public.

The easing of lockdown restrictions means the museum is now able to open with the borough's cultural bosses implementing a number of changes to keep people safe.

All the galleries will be open, including the celebrated Bolton's Egypt, which features thousands of ancient artefacts and a stunning recreating of the tomb of Thutmose III.

The Bolton News:

But visitor numbers will be restricted, visits will be limited to one hour and some games and interactive displays will remain off limits.

Hand sanitising stations will be available, a one-way system will aid social distancing while public toilets will be closed.

Museumgoers will be asked to provide their contact details when entering to help with track and trace.

Bolton Council's cabinet member with responsibility for libraries and museum, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: "There is something for everyone at Bolton Museum and we look forward to welcoming back visitors of all ages.

"Our Egyptology collection is up there with some of the best in the world and our art and natural history galleries are something everyone in Bolton should be proud of.

"Every safety precaution is being taken as we gradually reopen services to the public.

"I'm sure Bolton Museum will once again attract visitors to our area as we seek to recover from the pandemic and create a vibrant and thriving town centre."

The Bolton News:

The museum shop will be open

The museum will be open from 9am to 5pm from Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.

As part of the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bolton Museum was closed to the public on March 23 along with all library buildings.

Since then, residents have been able to access a wide range of museum and library services from their own homes including 360 virtual tours.

The online programme will continue with museum object stories, story times and book chats.

The Bolton News:


Book browsing and public computers will also be available at Central Library.

Opening hours will be 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, and Saturday 10am to 4pm. Computer must be booked in advance by calling 01204 332853.

Last week, an order and collect system was introduced at Breightmet, Central, Farnworth, Harwood, Horwich, and Westhoughton libraries.

The council will continue to review when other services will reopen.

For more information about services reopening, visit the Bolton Library and Museum website or call 01204 332853.