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German museum administrators and the European Museum Organization NEMO have voiced similar hesitations, which are asking European governments to reconsider the decision to close museums but allow libraries that are treated like shops or supermarkets to function. Attention is drawn to the fact that safe visits to museums offer opportunities to reduce stress experienced by people during isolation.
And according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), visiting museums and galleries improves people’s emotional health.
The exchange letter emphasizes that museums, unlike mass events, are not a mass gathering place. They regulate the flow of visitors, it is much lower than the number of visits to supermarkets.
In most cases, there are every opportunity to ensure the highest COVID-19 security requirements, such as visitor flow regulation, registration, 10 m2 M. meter. per person, ventilation of the premises, maintaining safe distances in large museum spaces, use of masks.
Museum representatives note that, according to research and surveys published in Lithuania, residents experienced extreme stress due to quarantine in the spring. Even more psychological stress and depression are expected during the dark winter. And according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), visiting museums and galleries improves people’s emotional health.
Adjustable flows
“We can easily regulate the flow of people in the museum. We have introduced hourly tickets, the museum only has a limited number of visitors at a time. We are committed to registering visitors. It should be emphasized not only that the museum can meet the most high security measures, but a constant flow of fresh air of the maximum regime is ensured – every two hours the air in the exhibition spaces is completely replaced by fresh air ”, says Milda Ivanauskienė, Director of the MO Museum.
Dropped events and reduced contacts
M.Ivanauskienė adds that, taking into account the situation, all teachings, excursions and events in the museum have been canceled, which to some extent encourages meetings in groups of people.
“Despite offering visitors a broad alternative to virtual content, visiting the showrooms is still safe and can replace a walk in the park and provide hope and inspiration in these difficult times. Our large room is 1,000 square meters, the small one is 200 square meters and is well ventilated ”, adds the director of the MO Museum.
Rūta Kačkutė, director of the National Museum of Lithuania, also described the situation: “The first quarantine shook all areas, including the museum’s activities. We have realized that in museums we will have to reduce direct contact between the visitor and the employee, but we believe that it is very important to receive the visitor. Visiting a museum, as a respite from the tense everyday life, scientists say, is also a way to improve the psychological state of society. We have found ways to present the content of exhibitions and exhibitions in a safe and interactive way. We offer innovations: audio guides and games that expand the exposure on the visitor’s smartphone. We have reduced the possibility of direct contact and opened a different path to cognition. “
You feel discriminated against
“The closure of museums also affects the psychological well-being and motivation of the people who work in them. We feel discriminated against because we do not understand why the beauty service sector can work during the quarantine, sports competitions are allowed, but it is forbidden to delve into the history of Lithuanian culture and art and to relax psychologically in a sterile museum environment. ”Says Sigita Maslauskaitė-Mažylienė, director of the Church Heritage Museum.
The right to decide whether or not to open
According to representatives of the Museum Association, there are also smaller museums and institutions in Lithuania, the employees of which belong to the risk age group. Therefore, it is understandable that the opportunities to work during quarantine are not the same for everyone. It is important to foresee the procedures to be followed by the museums that wish to operate, as well as the right to decide on the work to evaluate the capacity to guarantee the impeccable security requirements of COVID-19.
Olga Žalienė, director of the Lithuanian Maritime Museum, president of the Council of Museums and member of the board of the Association of Lithuanian Museums, notes that museums want discretion in deciding whether or not to receive visitors, taking into account their situation and the situation. of staff.
“The Lithuanian Museum Association, the Lithuanian Municipal Museum Association and the Council of Museums have presented arguments to the Government that museums can guarantee the highest security requirements. At the same time, we believe that you should reserve the right to decide. Museums that can provide a safe museum experience can operate in accordance with established procedures and benefit the public at this difficult time. However, the right is also left to close, ”says O. Žalienė.
The positive effects of visual art on emotional health
Museum representatives also point out that in these times of caution and concentration, it is especially important to strengthen people’s emotional and psychological health. Art and culture are one way of doing it.
The World Health Organization has confirmed that research has shown that museums and the visual arts have a positive effect on a person’s emotional and psychological health: visiting museums and galleries reduces stress and brings happiness.
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