Iziko Museums of South Africa, which runs the foremost public art and cultural destinations in Cape Town, managing 11 national museums, collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most progressive digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on in Africa has closed eight museum sites due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Chief Executive Officer of Iziko Museums of South Africa, Ms Rooksana Omar said Iziko Museums of South Africa has a moral obligation, as one of the premier cultural, heritage and artistic attractions, to protect its visitors and staff.
“The collective decision to close the museums and suspend programme activities was informed by potential high-risk exposure to patrons and staff”, added Ms Omar.
The closure which took effect from March 18, 2020, will go on for a period of 21 days to April 7 2020, after which the situation will be reassessed.
“These are extraordinary times which require comprehensive and proactive action to contain the spread of the virus”,said the Chairperson of Iziko’s Council, Advocate Rod Solomons.
The Iziko Museums and sites shut down include the South African Museum and Planetarium, Bertram House, the South African National Gallery, the Bo-Kaap Museum, the Slave Lodge, Koopmans de Wet House, Rust en Vreugd House Museum as well as the Old Town House Museum.
“Please note that the William Fehr Collection at the Castle of Good Hope, the Manor House at Groot Constantia, and the Iziko Maritime Centre are closed to the public throughout this period,” added Advocate Rod Solomons.
Public admission to Iziko libraries and collections will also be limited whilst all public programs, tours, field trips planetarium shows, venue hires, commemorative events, and even conferences have been put off to be revised after 21 days.
