Leaders of Closed Museums Petition French President For Reopening Date
Museums throughout France have been closed since October last year due to COVID-19.
Five French art and museum associations have written an open letter to French President Emmanuel Macron asking to reopen in May, after being closed for six months due to COVID-19 restrictions.
According to Artnet News, the Federation of Contemporary Art (CIPAC), the French national committee of the International Council of Museums and three other professional bodies penned the letter, published in French newspaper, Le Figaro.
The letter expressed concern over the lack of communication from the government since being forced to close their doors at the end of October last year and requested that museums be reopened ahead of cinemas and theaters, reminding the French president of a pledge made by culture minister Roselyne Bachelot, that museums and monuments would be given priority.
President Macron had mentioned a target of “mid-May” for reopening certain outdoor terraces and cultural venues, in a video call with French mayors the week before.
Speaking to Artnet News, general secretary of CIPAC, said: “We wished to aim as high as possible [by addressing the letter to Macron] because I think that the culture minister is on the same wavelength as us and wishes that cultural venues open as soon as possible too. I think the decision on reopening will be made higher up.”
A decision is expected in the first week of May, with the French culture ministry discussing a number of issues, thought to include the maximum number of visitors allowed inside venues.
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