The announcement to ease restrictions by the Legault government in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic surprised the museum world. In fact, the government has announced that as of Monday, February 8th, all museums can open to the public under strict measures.
(Deny Cardinal)
Although it was a total surprise at the MUSO in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, the administration announces that the museum will open its doors on February 11th . According to Marie-France Lirette, general manager of MUSO, people will be invited to two exhibitions, including the one about beer in Quebec called Frette ou tablette – 400 ans de bière au Québec.
«It is with great pleasure that we are going to open the museum, says Mrs. Lirette. The regular schedule will be in effect again Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.»
She explains that all the sanitary measures are already in place to ensure a smooth visit.
A welcomed opening, but not much patience for the rest
Louise Leblond-Vallée, General Manager of Maison Trestler was very surprised by the news. It is therefore moving forward with the reopening of the museum on February 16th .
«We had decided to cancel the Entre Nous exhibition which brings together artists from the region and which is on display in the large living room of the house, she explains. With the reopening, we were able to recall a few artists to be exhibited despite everything. This pandemic is an ongoing yoyo game.»
The CEO says that while the showrooms are open, the house is only 15% of its full business potential. Mrs. Leblond-Vallée still cannot organize classical music concerts or rent venues for weddings or charity events.
«It’s nice to open, she says. This gives us a new lease on life to continue to double our efforts. However, us opening up is partial and does not provide us with the necessary funds to function properly. We are living in a stressful time.»
Enthusiasm with the deconfinements of museums
The Musée regional de Vaudreuil-Soulanges will also be able to open its doors in the coming days. Its managing director, Daniel Bissonnette, says he is happy with this decision.
«I will not lie to you that I shouted for joy while waiting for the government’s decision, says Mr. Bissonnette. I had told my colleagues that something was brewing for our industry.»
The director general of the museum will take his time to open his institution. He explains that there are a lot of things to plan and do before the opening. Mr. Bissonnette is advising the citizens of the region that the museum will therefore be open to the public from February 15th from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. As for the weekend, the Musée régional de Vaudreuil-Soulanges will be open in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In addition to the in-person opening, the museum will continue to promote events and exhibits via the Web. Daniel Bissonnette affirms that this obligatory turn to the Internet has attracted new customers.
“One of our exhibitions is in partnership with students from the region and also from Belgium, says the director general. Having no way to come on site, the implementation of a virtual tour was beneficial for the classes in Belgium. They were able to observe their creation and that of their comrade as if they were in the museum.”
