UNESCO reports on the pandemic impact on museums

Museums worldwide are under severe strain due to the pandemic, reporting a 40-60% drop in revenue and an average 70% drop in visitor numbers.

A UNESCO report, Museums Around the World in the Face of Covid-19, is based on data collected in March from 87 member states. It notes a significant drop in public funding last year in half of all the museums surveyed, with some losing as much as 40%.

With museums closed for an average of 155 days in 2020 and more closures this year, there are concerns over how instutitions can conserve collections, maintain security and foster relationships with with the public.

Although museums took various measures to continue their education functions during lockdown, the digital divide between different parts of the world has been a major obstacle to this work.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said: “In the midst of the crisis, we must not lose sight of the fundamental importance of ensuring access to culture and conserving our shared heritage in all its diversity."

"States have an essential role to play in supporting museums in this difficult period, through an ambitious cultural policy, not only to guarantee their survival but to prepare them for the future.”