Threat for museums: Unesco

The coronavirus lockdowns have hit the world's museums very hard and more than 10 per cent may never reopen while others will have to put new projects on hold, the United Nations' cultural body Unesco said.

A survey of almost 1,600 museums in 107 countries by the Paris-based International Council of Museums (ICOM), which is affiliated with Unesco, showed that almost all museums around the world were closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The private museum sector fears numerous bankruptcies in the coming months. In African, Asian and Arab countries, more than a quarter of museums fear they may have to close for good, the survey showed.

“Even losing one museum, one cultural centre or one theatre will affect diversity,” said Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, Unesco Assistant Director-General. — Reuters