Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre will reopen its doors on Tuesday 18 May after being closed to the public since November 2020.
Staff have been preparing for the Step 3 easing of lockdown restrictions which allows indoor attractions to reopen.
The historic trawler Ross Tiger will also be available for three tours per day – the first time it has been open to the public since the pandemic began back in March 2020.
Museum visits, which include Ross Tiger, begin at 10am, 12pm and 2pm, with the tours of the ship taking place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm respectively. Museum-only booking slots are available at various times throughout the day for those not wishing to take a Ross Tiger tour.
All visitors must book via the centre’s reception team by calling (01472) 323345 from 10am on Monday 17 May.
Bookings to the main museum attraction will be restricted to a maximum of six people per group, or a group of two households. The centre is currently limiting tours on Ross Tiger to a maximum of six per booking.
Face coverings must be worn within the building and Ross Tiger (unless exempt) and visitors must ensure social distancing from other visitors or guides.
The centre has also received a revamp ahead of reopening, with new sounds and smells.
It is running on full digital sound for the first time in the museum’s history and also has extended commentary playing with never before heard stories.
The centre’s reopening has been supported by the Cultural Recovery Fund which has enabled a new public announcement system allowing for COVID safety messaging.
The centre has also consulted with specialists to renew many of the smells throughout the exhibits, giving an even more authentic experience of Grimsby’s fishing heritage.
The exhibition Tony Codd: People Places and Pubs will resume in the Muriel Barker Gallery.
COVID-Secure measures at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre include:
- Floor markers and signage to advise on social distancing and directional flows on stairs and throughout the building
- Regular cleaning regime of high-touch surfaces
- Where possible, doors and windows will be open for ventilation
- Hand sanitiser on entry and halfway through the route
- All payments for admissions, gift shop and Galley Cafe are to be made using contactless payment
- Track and Trace details taken upon arrival
- Handling objects to be removed, including handling boxes, books, toys and costumes. Some interactive boards will be covered up
- One-way route and social distancing to be observed throughout the free galleries
- Toilets amended for social distancing and regular checking and cleaning of high-touch areas
Councillor Callum Procter, portfolio Holder for economic growth, housing and tourism, said: “It’s fantastic that the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre can reopen after being closed for six months. I know staff at the centre will be excited to bring the guided tours of the historic Ross Tiger back for the first time since the pandemic began.
“Grimsby’s fishing heritage is a huge part of our local history, so I’m really pleased we’ve been able to reopen the fishing attraction for people to once again experience the sights, sounds and smells of what it was like to be a Grimsby trawlerman in the 1950s.
Cllr Procter added: “We’re really pleased to be able to reopen this unique attraction and we are proud to be part of the Here For Culture campaign that supports museums, cinemas, heritage and other venues that have been affected by the pandemic.”
The Time Trap Museum will reopen on Tuesday 1 June. Book online here: https://nelincolnshire-self.achieveservice.com/service/Time_Trap_booking
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