Date set for reopening of Scarborough's Rotunda Museum

The museum, which specialises in geology and local history, and is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the world, will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm from Saturday August 8. The re-opening will see a booking system introduced which will allow in one group (or social bubble) of up to six people at a time, creating an exclusive visitor experience. Slots will be every half hour across the day and groups will be able to explore the Museum without having to follow prescriptive routes. They’ll be able to visit the Ancient Seas Gallery, bringing them face to face with the prehistoric creatures that used to roam this coast, and the Rotunda Gallery, displaying objects that tell the history of the Museum, including fossils, taxidermy, fine art and ceramics. The team is at work on a new display of Mesolithic objects from Star Carr, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, in the Vale of Pickering. This will open in mid September. Gristhorpe Man, Britain’s best-preserved Early Bronze Age skeleton, is still in controlled storage after a leak in the roof of the 1829 building threatened his safety, and will be returned at a later date. The Museum’s shop will also be open. Staff at the Museum have been fully trained on post-lockdown safety procedures, and the venue has been awarded the VisitEngland ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard mark, signifying that it adheres to government and public health guidance. Scarborough Museum's chief executive Andrew Clay said: “We’re delighted that we now have all three of our beautiful venues open to the public once again – we can’t wait to welcome people back into the Rotunda. As always, our top priority is the safety of both our visitors and our staff.” The Rotunda Museum has a lift to all floors and is fully wheelchair-accessible throughout, including an accessible toilet. Support dogs are welcome. Induction loops are available. The Museum is breastfeeding-friendly and staff are trained to be Dementia Friends. Slots for the Rotunda can be booked online at www.scarboroughmuseumstrust.com by phone on 01723 353665 or via email at rotunda@smtrust.uk.com From Saturday August 1, the annual pass system will be re-introduced. The £3 pass gives unlimited entry to the Rotunda Museum and Scarborough Art Gallery for a year. Woodend is always free. Opening hours for the Rotunda and Scarborough Art Gallery are 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sundays; Woodend is open from 9am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays and 10am to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays. Message from the editor Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper. Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper. Thank you Jean MacQuarrie Editor-in-Chief

Date set for reopening of Scarborough's Rotunda Museum - how to book your place