Watford Museum is set to reopen this weekend with new safety measures following an extensive refurbishment.
From Saturday visitors will once again be able to enjoy the museum's exhibits, which will include updates to the Space2 gallery and its ever-growing collection.
Entry is still free but people will need to wear a mask and book a time slot to enter, which can be done via phone or on the website.
Sanitizer will also be dotted around the museum and there will be a one-way system.
Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “Protecting our town's heritage is so important and I am delighted we will be reopening our fantastic museum.
"It’s a great asset to the town and with all the work which the museum team have undertaken behind the scenes, I would encourage everyone visiting to stay safe and find out more about Watford’s history, including some of the real gems of the town’s history on display.”
During the closure both the Cassiobury and foyer galleries were completely refurbished to boost the museum’s cultural offering.
The works are part of a larger refurbishment that will see further sections improved later this year.
Visitors will once again be able to enjoy the collection of Cassiobury portraits along with other paintings, such as Watford’s very own Turner, who painted a view of Cassiobury House.
Objects related to Cassiobury and the Earls of Essex, including their coronets and keys to Cassiobury House, have also been put out for display in the Cassiobury gallery.
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The museum’s first foyer exhibition is a collection of art by residents who entered into a competition organised by Brick by Brick to celebrate Black History Month titled COVID and Me.
In the foyer, you can also see Watford FC’s promotion trophies which are on loan from the club.
Space2, the contemporary art gallery, will reopen with an exhibition from Marcus Jamesion-Pond of portraits of people during lockdown entitled Watford Out/Standing, which are being displayed from Sue Alexander of key workers.
The great photography displays the local community's resilience during the pandemic.
The museum has also updated its shop stock, working with local designers and crafters including Made in Watford, who have made the museum its very own custom design which is on t-shirts, mugs and badges.
You can also now purchase honey from Maytree Honey, local to Watford.
To book a visit call 01923 232297 or email at info@watfordmuseum.org.uk.
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