Museums and the Change in the Age of New Normal

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, museums were affected in several ways and had to adapt to the New Normal by implementing online communication, technology, and health safety measures. The purpose of this research is to study the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on museums and examine their adaptation strategies. We focus on two museums:  Museum Siam, (Discovery Museum) and the Bangkok National Museum.  From the study, it was found that museums can adapt to the New Normal in the following ways: (1) Emphasizing communication policies and enhancing online accessibility, including a work from home policy, (2) Developing virtual museum experiences and online learning packages, with platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Instagram, and Tik-Tok, with Facebook being the most popular; (3) Implementing strict health and safety measures, such as physical distancing, face masks, visitor limitations. The Bangkok National Museum, in particular, follows additional safeguarding measures mandated by the Fine Arts Department. The crisis has encouraged museums to make progressive adaptations in personnel, exhibition technology, and online communication. These changes mark a transition from the New Normal to a further of ongoing development.