This translation has been automatically generated and has not been verified for accuracy.At a time of year when museums and public art galleries are about to burst with March-break activity, many Canadian institutions are closing their doors to combat the spread of COVID-19. Others are monitoring the situation as they swab down their public spaces.
“I strongly believe the decision to temporarily close the gallery is the responsible one to make,” AGO director Stephan Jost said in a statement. “These are extraordinary circumstances and we understand how disappointing this closure and the associated cancellation of programming and events is to our community.” He pointed visitors to the gallery’s website as one way to visit the collection in the interim.
“We regret the impact of this decision on the individuals, families and groups who use our facilities. However, we believe that this decision is in the best interests of all the communities we serve,” the museums said in a joint statement. In British Columbia, museums are taking a wait-and-see approach: Both the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Museum of Vancouver remain open. However, the VAG has cancelled hands-on educational activities, including its spring-break programming, until March 30. Both said they are doing more disinfecting of public spaces and frequently touched surfaces. The Remai Modern in Saskatoon is also remaining open with extra sanitary measures.