A popular museum is preparing to open its doors and welcome back visitors for the first time since it closed due to coronavirus in March.

As part of the phased reopening, Tullie House will operate on reduced hours from Wednesday to help gauge demand and to carefully manage the charity’s running costs.

Initially, Tullie House will remain closed on Mondays and Tuesday but will be open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm and Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

Andrew Mackay, director of Tullie House, said: “It’s been an extraordinary and difficult time for everyone, and Tullie House is no exception.

"We are opening in phases because people want to experience our unique offer, and obviously we are very keen to welcome everyone back.

"The challenge for us as a cultural charity is that we need to be safe and we need the public to support us. Knowing the people of Cumbria I am sure they will.

“To keep visitors and staff safe, the museum has conducted a full risk assessment of the building and its services.

"Conforming with government guidelines, our visitors can expect to see: a one-way route into and out of the building with clear signage, clear queue markings with staff to monitor and advise as required, social distancing measures and protective screens.

"Our website will also host a video showing more details of exactly what visitors can expect.”

Phase one of the reopening on July 8 will see the cafe, gardens and gift shop open. The cafe will be open for light refreshments and visitors will be able to enjoy outdoors, particularly with the provision of a new range of gazebos to allow visitors to experience the fabulous gardens whatever the weather.

Following a members and patrons only day on Wednesday, July 15 phase two reopens with the extremely popular treasures of China exhibition on Thursday, July 16.

During this phase, and for a strictly limited period, entry to this extraordinary temporary exhibition will be free, with a suggested £5 donation to the charity.

Amy Walker, head of programme and development at Tullie House, said: “We are thrilled to be reopening the Treasures of China exhibition and are grateful to our exhibition partners Oriental Museum, Durham University who have agreed to extend the loan of their outstanding collection of costume, paintings, and impressive cultural artefacts.”

Phase three starts on Wednesday, July 29.

A British Museum Partnership Gallery: The Roman Frontier, the Border Galleries and the Community Gallery will all be fully accessible. Admission charges will apply.

More details on how Tullie House is managing re-opening can be found at the website www.tulliehouse.co.uk