In the report Museums on the Margins, the industry organization Sweden's Museums interviewed representatives of 100 of their more than 200 members in May about the effects of the corona pandemic.

According to the report, 83 percent of the museums that participated in the survey stated that they had a strained economy and a total of 91 percent had a loss of income.

Nine museums have notified staff

About half of the museums have been open during the pandemic, but despite this, the number of visitors has plummeted. Above all, the number of visitors from other countries is decreasing. And for those museums whose economy is revenue-based, this can have major consequences.

Among other things, the strained economy has resulted in the museums having to lay off staff, cut down on operations and suspend or postpone investments. Nine museums have notified staff and three are at risk of bankruptcy.

Can lose half a billion in loss

Sweden's museums estimate that the museum sector will decline by at least half a billion this year. The forecast is for continued loss of revenue during June to September.

Most museums plan to open in the summer.