London Museums Close Galleries as Record Heat Wave Hits 40°C
A record heat wave in London, reaching 40°C on July 19, 2022, forced several museums to close galleries or reduce hours. The British Museum temporarily shut some spaces and closed early after the Public & Commercial Services (PCS) union raised concerns about air quality and staff safety. A spokesperson stated the museum remained open online and was monitoring the situation. The Victoria & Albert Museum installed fans, distributed cold water, relaxed uniform guidelines, and closed some galleries. The Tate and Royal Academy kept regular hours. London Mayor Sadiq Khan issued safety instructions to prevent fires. The previous UK record of 38.7°C was set in Cambridge in 2019.
Key facts
- London reached 40°C on July 19, 2022, breaking the previous UK record of 38.7°C set in Cambridge in 2019.
- The British Museum closed some galleries and reduced hours after PCS union raised air quality and staff safety concerns.
- The Victoria & Albert Museum installed fans, distributed cold water, relaxed uniform rules, and closed some galleries.
- The Tate and Royal Academy remained open with regular hours.
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan issued fire prevention instructions, including no barbecues and careful disposal of cigarettes.
- The British Museum spokesperson said the museum remained open online and was monitoring the situation.
- The UK Museums Association noted PCS had previously expressed concerns about air quality at the British Museum.
- The heat wave affected multiple European countries, with Paris also experiencing extreme temperatures.
Entities
Institutions
- British Museum
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- Public & Commercial Services (PCS)
- UK Museums Association
- The Art Newspaper
- Novara Media
- Tate
- Royal Academy
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Paris
- France
- Cambridge