Museums in Greece will reopen to visitors next week on May 14, the official start of the tourism season, authorities announced last Friday.

Cultural venues such as Athens’ Acropolis museum, housing archaeological treasures found near the ancient citadel overlooking the city, have been closed since mid-November, when a second lockdown was imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

In a statement, Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni looked forward to welcoming back visitors to the nation’s museums after months of closure: “Shortly before International Museum Day on May 18, museums in Greece will reopen their doors for citizens of the country and visitors from all over the world.” 

She added: “In view of the start of the tourist season, our main concern is the safe return of the public to the places of culture. The National Gallery is ready to welcome the public from May 14, as well as the new museum spaces at the Ziller-Loverdos Mansion in central Athens and the Arethousa in Chalkida. In accordance with the Organization for the Management and Development of Cultural Resources, museum restaurants and cafes will operate with the necessary protective measures, as well as museum gift shops.”  

Restrictions ease

The government started easing restrictions earlier this month after a small reduction in Covid-19 cases was recorded in the country. It allowed cafes, bars and restaurants to reopen with safety regulations on May 3, while organised beaches reopened on 8 May, the first time this year. 

“It is obvious that the country’s epidemiological picture is showing a steady improvement,” Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said. He revealed that authorities had recorded a reduction in the spread of the virus, as the number of infections fell and vaccinations increased in 61 regions, including Athens and Thessaloniki. However, an increase in infections was recorded in 10 regions.

Tourism accounts for a fifth of Greece’s economy and job market, and after the worst year on record for the sector last year the country can ill afford another lost summer. 

Open-air cinemas will resume on May 21 while open-air performances will restart the following week on May 28. Primary schools reopened on Monday, May 10, while daycare centers will open their doors again on May 17.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said this week that a combination of widespread testing, immunization, and the fact that many activities would take place outdoors have given authorities confidence that tourists will be able to visit Greece safely.

A country of 11 million, it has reported a total of 358,116 infections and 10,910 deaths. 

[Reuters]