European Museums Offer Free Entry as Heat Wave Refuges
As a severe heat wave grips Europe, several museums are promoting themselves as air-conditioned havens. In London, the Imperial War Museum used Instagram to advertise its cool space with cold drinks. In Paris, the Museum of the History of Immigration, part of the Palais de la Porte Dorée, made its main exhibitions free through Friday. Director Constance Rivière noted that the museum's hallways are kept at 22-23°C (71-73°F) to protect artwork, far below the week's highs of over 100°F. On Wednesday, 540 people visited—200 more than the previous week. Ben Melham of Mortice Consulting, a British firm advising museums, said the heat offers an opportunity to attract new visitors.
Key facts
- Imperial War Museum in London promoted itself as a 'salvation' from heat on Instagram.
- Museum of the History of Immigration in Paris offered free entry through Friday.
- Palais de la Porte Dorée maintains hallways at 22-23°C (71-73°F) for artwork protection.
- 540 visitors on Wednesday, 200 more than the previous week.
- Ben Melham of Mortice Consulting noted heat waves can draw new visitors.
- Few European households have air conditioning.
- Paris experienced highs above 100°F (38°C) that week.
- Constance Rivière decided on free entry after seeing people flock to hotel lobbies.
Entities
Institutions
- Imperial War Museum
- Museum of the History of Immigration
- Palais de la Porte Dorée
- Mortice Consulting
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Paris
- France