Haynes International Motor Museum plans to reopen in October 2020
29th May 2020
Haynes International Motor Museum continues to monitor the guidance from the UK Government as the country gradually eases the lockdown.
Chris Scudds, CEO stated in March that the Museum’s mission during this crisis is very clear:
“…to minimise the financial impact on the Museum and to look closely at operational opportunities, so that reopening can happen safely, effectively and efficiently whilst also ensuring the best possible visitor experience.”
In April two significant projects that were scheduled for later in the site development plan were identified as opportunities that could be accelerated to take advantage of the Museum currently being closed: the construction of a new 500 space carpark at the rear of the building and the re-roofing and renovation of two large exhibition halls within the Museum.
To complete this work it would have been necessary, at some stage in the future, to close the Museum to visitors. Therefore with the approval from the Board of Trustees these projects will be brought forward and delivered whilst the Museum is already closed. As a result the Museum now plans to reopen in mid-October 2020. The Workshop and Restoration Centre remains open for new and existing clients.
What does this mean for visitors and clients?
The re-roofing and subsequent development of the Museum halls will result in several brand new exhibitions, including an exhibition on Museum founder John Haynes OBE as well as the two already planned new exhibitions of Williams F1 and Ferrari. These developments will also significantly improve the Venue Hire offering, both in terms of new and exciting areas within the Museum space to hold events, as well as more flexible and adaptable exhibition space.
The new car park facilities are essential to accommodate increasing visitor numbers and to host the popular Haynes Breakfast Clubs. It will also facilitate even more, year round free parking for conference delegates and provide a perfect space for larger events in the future.
As part of this process, and in preparation for reopening, the Museum will focus on ensuring that it is compliant with all of the latest Covid 19 Health and Safety measures, including social distancing, one way visitor flows and the placement of sanitation stations throughout all public areas. Furthermore all staff will be suitably trained and be provided with appropriate PPE.
Chris Scudds, CEO commented:
“These have been extremely challenging times for the Museum and continue to be so, but I am super confident that these major projects will have a very positive impact on our visitors’ experience.Our Volunteers have unfortunately been unable to be onsite since we closed in March, but wherever possible they have supported us in other ways. A large number of the staff have been furloughed and we remain in regular contact with them also.Those members of the team who do continue to work, do so with extraordinary commitment and passion. Any organisation is only as good as its people and I am incredibly fortunate and thankful to work alongside an exceptional cohort of staff and volunteers. ”
Your questions about the developments and reopening plan:
If you have any questions regarding the reopening plans, developments or tickets, the Museum recently released these closure FAQs or to speak to a specific department, all contact details are also available here.
The Museum team invites you to follow their social media pages for regular updates and behind the scenes videos on these exciting developments.
For press enquiries please contact Katie Stanley via marketing@himm.co.uk
