The Corinium Museum in Cirencester will reopen its doors on Monday after almost five months of lockdown.

Staff at the museum will be welcoming back visitors to its famous archaeological collection after the coronavirus pandemic forced its closure back in March.

New hygiene and social distancing measures will be in place to ensure the health and wellbeing of visitors, volunteers and staff.

Hand sanitising stations will be available throughout the museum and shop and acrylic protection panels will be in place at the new Welcome Desk.

There will be a one-way system with directional signage to guide visitors around the museum and to assist visitors and staff to respect social distancing.

The galleries will be regularly cleaned after each group of visitors has exited the building and visitors will be asked to use contactless/card payments to avoid the handling of cash.

Director of Corinium Museum Amanda Hart, said: “I am delighted that the museum is able to open again.

"Museums and the role they play in well-being, inspiration and fun are needed more than ever in the current climate.

" is quite often the case that local people don’t visit the places on their doorstep, but I would urge people to support their local museum this summer by making a visit.”

Councillor Jenny Forde, cabinet member for health and wellbeing for Cotswold District Council, added: “Corinium Museum is one of the ‘must-see’ attractions in Cirencester and the Cotswolds and is nearing the end of a fabulous new refurbishment project.

“It is fantastic news that the museum is now able to open in time for the school holidays, and for those taking their summer holidays in the UK this year.

"I’ve been inundated with people asking when the museum will be open again and am expecting it to be very popular with locals and visitors alike.

“We have put a number of measures in place in line with Government guidance so visitors can be confident that the journey through the museum will be as pleasant and safe an experience as possible.”

The museum will be open Monday – Saturday from 10am – 5pm, and Sunday from 2-5pm.

To help with social distancing, the museum will be limiting the number of visitors and tickets will need to be booked in advance online before your visit at www.corininiummuseum.org.

Tickets will be valid for a one-hour time slot.