Museums and heritage sites across the country are preparing to close on 19th September 2022, in a mark of respect for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Cultural organisations have begun to let visitors know of the plan via social media and websites, with many scheduled events on the day being refunded or rescheduled.

Guidance from The Cabinet Office states that museums, galleries and similar venues are not obliged to close during the current National Mourning period, nor State Funeral itself. It has said the decision is at the discretion of individual organisations, leaving each organisation responsible for letting potential visitors know of its plans.

It appears that the vast majority of museums and heritage organisations will join companies and schools in participating in what is now a bank holiday to mark the funeral. The Cabinet Office has said there are no plans for the day to become an annual holiday.

Among the organisations which have already announced closure next Monday are the Science Museum, National Gallery and British Museum.

The Ashmolean, the Natural History Museum, the V&A and Amgueddfa Cymru have also announced a planned closure to mark their respect.

The National Trust has said its houses and gardens, including cafes and shops, will be closed in tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, but that its coast and countryside car parks will remain open for visitors.

Similarly the National Trust for Scotland has said all its buildings and gardens will close, but that its countryside places will remain open. Manx National Heritage has announced that its sites will also be closed for the day.

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