NEMO report: The impact of Covid-19 pandemic on Museums in Europe

NEMO (Network of European Museum Organisations) has published the findings and recommendations of the second survey, carried out between 30 October and 29 November 2020, investigating how museums have been affected by the pandemic. The survey followed up on the main topics that emerged in the first report; consequences of losses, digital offers and organisational adaptation.

• Museums are still losing income and NEMO calls for adequate financial support for the lockdown period as well as the following years to ensure the survival of the sector and help museums explore new ways of connecting with their audience.

• Suitable support is needed for museums to build on their digital momentum. Almost all museums offer online activities, but an overwhelming majority admit that they actually need assistance in their digital transition and to improve the digital literacy of the staff.
• NEMO recommends that museums stay open during these challenging times to offer people a place for rest and emotional recovery. There have been no reported cases of museums being infection hotspots. On the contrary, most museums are very well-equipped to allow for a Covid-19-safe experience for both visitors and employees.

This survey was answered by 600 museums from 48 countries, the majority coming from Europe. It follows NEMO’s initial survey, report and recommendations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on museums from May 20201 during the first lockdown and sought to investigate the different themes that emerged in the first survey and which have been discussed in the museum community.

These themes are:
1. Consequences of income (and other) losses
2. The increased importance of digital museum offers
3. Adapted operations and preparedness during and for crises

This report seeks to inform the community and stakeholders where the sector stands, and looks specifically at those issues, in order to develop arguments to keep museums open during the pandemic, to support them financially so that they may continue their operation and allow pace to adjust and invest in their digital offers. The findings of the survey are translated into recommendations that NEMO addresses to stakeholders at all levels.

Click here to read the full report.