In order to help us plan how we reopen our museums we created an online public survey which we have publicised via our social media channels, our website, community networks, and e-newsletter.
Our reopening will be phased and will begin with Bristol Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) and M Shed. A date for reopening has not yet been confirmed.
The following is a summary of 10 key findings from the public survey:
Findings are based on feedback between 22/05 – 10/06 from c.360 responses
- There is demand for our sites to reopen. 75% of respondents say they will visit; 59% told us BMAG or M Shed are in their top 3 indoor public spaces to visit once the lockdown is lifted.
- There is higher demand from respondents for BMAG to reopen than M Shed (67% vs. 33%)
- Levels of trust in the museums to provide a safe visit are very high. The average trust rating is 4.5 out of 5.
- 84% of respondents told us they would like to visit for between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
- 33% of respondents told us they are likely to visit with children under 16
- The top four reasons for visiting the museums following the lockdown would be 1) to see a temporary exhibition 22%; 2) To get out of the house 17%; 3) To go somewhere familiar 16%; and 4) To learn something 16%.
- Respondents are generally happy to see additional restrictions and measures put in place: 85% are happy to pre-book free tickets; 71% would like to see ‘child free’ time slots; and 72% would like to see time slots for ‘over 70s and vulnerable adults’.
- The main change that would put off visitors is the closing of our current temporary exhibitions Wildlife Photgrapher of the Year (M Shed) and Do You Believe Magic? (BMAG) – 36% told us they would be put off visiting by this change.
- The primary suggestions for increasing safety during visits are: increased hygiene, limits on numbers, social distancing, and increased staff visibility.
- Acorn Analysis (segmentation) of respondents shows there is a slightly lower than typical representation of Audiences form disadvantaged background – 13% compared to 21% average across physical sites.(Actions are in place or planned to address this.)
The survey will remain open till at least the end of June 2020. So far the responses have been really useful in telling us what our audiences need from us to reopen our sites in a safe and welcoming way.
If you would like to complete the survey, go to surveymonkey.co.uk/r/bristolmuseums