The National Football Museum, Manchester, re-opened to the public at 10.30am on Wednesday 31 May, having been temporarily closed for a week following the terrible events at Manchester Arena.
The museum, located next to Manchester Victoria station in Cathedral Gardens, had been behind a police cordon following the attack, allowing Greater Manchester Police to continue their forensic investigation of the scene.
Interim Director of the National Football Museum, Kevin Haygarth, is delighted to see the public returning to the city centre attraction.
“For anyone who lives or works in and around Manchester, the last week has been a challenging time, but the attitude and resilience of the city has shone through.
“Our first concerns this week have been with all those affected, and with helping and facilitating the work of the police wherever possible.
“As the museum was hosting a private event at the time of the attack on Monday evening, I’d like to praise the exemplary performance of the staff on duty who put the museum on lockdown in a dangerous environment, and ensured a safe evacuation of the building when instructed.
“The team have been working hard to ensure the museum is back in great shape, and we’re looking forward to welcoming families from across the region and visitors from all over the world during the rest of this Manchester half term week.”
Fundraising
The museum will be raising funds for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, with all donations made by visitors to the museum on Saturday 3 June going directly to the Red Cross-backed appeal. Throughout the week, proceeds from ‘I Love Mcr’ merchandise in the museum’s shop, and takings from badge-making activities at the museum, will also be donated to the fund.
Security
With heightened security measures in place, visitors are advised that full bag searches will be taking place on entry. Cloakroom facilities and lockers are currently unavailable.