Abstract
The consequences of the coronavirus and the physical limitations it imposes on museums and their visitors force museums to rethink cultural identity and to approach the exhibition of material artworks differently. Only a limited number of people are allowed to visit the museum at one time, booking time slots is mandatory, making it difficult to welcome visitors. As most Dutch museums are largely self-funded, the lack of tourists, visitors, educational programmes that generate income, together with the insufficient financial support of the Dutch government, have greatly impacted their policies. This report analyses the coronavirus’ effects on the role of museums within the Dutch ‘<em>anderhalvemetersamenleving</em>’ (one and a half meter society). This report offers an overview of the changes that have taken place in Dutch society due to the limitations of physical interaction with artworks and the museum space as well as the way Dutch museums have reacted to these consequences. Lastly, this report offers an analysis of the success of these new developments and the challenges that still need to be overcome. Thus, ways will be proposed in which Dutch museums can learn from these actions in maintaining their critical function in society.
Highlights
TissenJournal of ConservationOn March 12th and again on November 2nd 2020, the Dutch government decided to cease all public activities, which meant that museums had to close their doors
Even when museums are allowed to reopen, there is an awareness that the museum experience will not be the same as it was pre-COVID-19
The limited number of visitors allowed in museums and the obligation to book time slots in advance make it difficult to visit museums spontaneously, let alone to welcome tourists from outside the Netherlands
Summary
On March 12th and again on November 2nd 2020, the Dutch government decided to cease all public activities, which meant that museums had to close their doors. –. Life and art of Frida Kahlo exhibition, the first visit of Kahlo’s artworks to the Netherlands, were cancelled and public events such as the Museum Association’s (Museumvereniging) National. The limited number of visitors allowed in museums and the obligation to book time slots in advance make it difficult to visit museums spontaneously, let alone to welcome tourists from outside the Netherlands. Most Dutch museums do not receive government support and are largely self-funded, relying on ‘blockbuster’ exhibitions to generate income through visitor engagement. The lack of tourists, visitors, and educational programmes, together with the financial shortcomings of the Dutch government, has required museums to drastically rethink their policy and change their engagement with visitors.
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