ALMOST 5,800 people have visited The Bowes Museum since it re-opened in May 17 following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
This is about 75 per cent of what museum officers had hoped to achieve.
The figures were revealed by head of collections Jane Whittaker during a meeting of Barnard Castle Town Council’s partnerships committee.
She added: “Visitor numbers have been encouraging and it is hoped July numbers will pick up once school holidays begin, so 100 per cent can be achieved by the end of the month.”
Ms Whittaker confirmed the museum had received £704,000 through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund to help it bounce back from months of closure.
In addition to events and activities, she said: “The funding would also go towards development of a new website, audience research and development and an outdoor classroom.
“A proportion of the funding has been earmarked for financial reserves.”
This summer, the museum is planning three late evening openings around the themes of Italy, France and Spain where items from the collections from these countries will be on display, with the redecorated cafe serving cuisine from each country.
The events take place on Friday, July 30, Friday, August 27, and Friday, September 24.
Ms Whittaker said: “Family activities are planned as usual during the school holidays. A Young Curators programme has been launched which will involve opportunities for ten young people to explore the museum over a period of six months, virtually and in person, and devise and deliver activities aimed at their peer age groups.
“The aim is for the young people to learn new skills but also to learn from them and understand how they view the museum, to help make it more relevant for them.”
