Museums after Covid

Museums After COVID presents a comparative international study of how leading museums in Europe and North America adapted to the challenges of the 2020 pandemic. Through interviews with 13 institutions, the report distils 30 replicable practices covering visitor management, accessibility, protective measures, and reimagined engagement strategies. The document is essential reading for museum professionals seeking to understand how cultural organisations reshaped operations, enhanced visitor confidence, and innovated digital and physical experiences in a post-pandemic context.

Contents Summary

Starting Point – Purpose of the study and Tactile Studio’s focus on accessibility and inclusive design.

Observed Institutions – 13 museums from France, Spain, Germany, USA, and Canada.

General Findings – Crisis management responses, hygiene standards, team collaboration, new thinking around access and sensory engagement.

01: Information & Welcome – Pre-visit communication, timed tickets, queue management, reduced or free entry, extended hours.

02: Protection & Maintenance – One-way systems, sanitation, PPE, signage, staff training, and cleaning protocols.

03: Accessibility – Adjusting tactile and interactive experiences, phased reintroduction of hands-on elements.

04: Facilitating Access – Creative solutions including remote programming, digital mediation, and behavioural guidance.

Case Studies – Notably Canada’s phased reopening model and the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum’s approach to interactive stations.