South Downs museum set to reopen after fears of permanent closure

A popular museum in the heart of the South Downs is getting set to reopen - after coming back from the brink of permanent closure because of the Covid crisis.
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After 129 days of having to close its doors during the pandemic, Amberley Museum is preparing to open its doors to visitors again.

The 36 acre site in the South Downs National Park will be open to members only on Saturday July 25 and Sunday July 26 and then to the general public from Wednesday July 29.

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The museum says it has implemented a range of new measures to maximise the safety of visitors and adhere to Government guidelines.

The Electricity Hall exhibit at Amberley Museum SUS-200715-094933001The Electricity Hall exhibit at Amberley Museum SUS-200715-094933001
The Electricity Hall exhibit at Amberley Museum SUS-200715-094933001

Museum director Valerie Mills said: “Museums all over the country have been crippled with the Covid crisis. Amberley was no exception and at one point we were very concerned that after 40 years the museum may have to shut permanently.

“However, an emergency funding grant from Arts Council England and the overwhelming generosity of our members and local people who love the museum and donated to an emergency appeal has truly saved the day.

“We are very excited to welcome our visitors back and with such a large site and so much outdoors there really is something for everyone to enjoy in a safe and fun environment.

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“The support of our visitors over the coming months will be critical in making sure Amberley Museum is still here in another 40 years.”

Anyone wishing to have a day out at Amberley must book in advance online on the Amberley Museum website for the specific day and time slot that they wish to visit. There are three time slots for arrivals and once on site visitors can stay as long as they like until closing time at 4.30pm.

The Amberley Museum website provides details on all the measures that have been put in place.

Highlights of a trip to Amberley include the ‘Transformation and Change’ sculpture trail with works by outstanding contemporary artists from across the south of England and the chance to ride on a narrow-gauge railway, see some hair raising equipment in the Electricity Hall and discover how the world kept in touch before the internet and mobile phones in the museum’s Connected Earth Telecommunications Hall.