This article will be regularly updated—please check back for changes as they unfold
Thaddeus Ropac's London gallery is one of the many to shut as of today Courtesy of Galerie Thaddeus Ropac
While the UK government has been criticised for being too slow to limit the spread of coronavirus, it seems London galleries are taking a pre-emptive approach, with many temporarily closing as of today.
This morning, David Zwirner announced it is closing its London and Paris galleries until further notice “in response to rapidly evolving Covid-19-related concerns—and to prioritise the health and safety of our staff, artists, visitors and neighbours”. Zwirner’s New York space shut on Friday.
Pace, whose New York gallery also closed on Friday, announced today it is temporarily closing its London venue, effectively immediately. A spokesman says: “All special events, including exhibition opening receptions, are on hold across all locations until further notice.” The gallery remains open by appointment.
Hauser & Wirth has also just announced closure of its London and Zurich galleries, which will operate by appointment only as of tomorrow (its New York and Los Angeles spaces are already operating on this basis). Its rural Somerset gallery will, however, remain open for now, with extra measures in place. A spokeswoman says: “Hauser & Wirth Somerset is an integral part of the community so our schools programme is running for the local schools, which currently remain open and are requesting visits. The outdoor community activities and workshops are taking place, and we continue to check and follow advice each day.”
Within the past hour, Galerie Thaddeus Ropac has decided to shut its London and Paris galleries from today until further notice, in addition to its Salzburg gallery which was closed over the weekend.
The following London galleries are now closed, although most are still open by appointment: Gagosian, Alison Jacques, Victoria Miro, Goodman Gallery, Sadie Coles, Richard Saltoun, Sprüth Magers, Lisson, Marian Goodman, Timothy Taylor, Carl Freedman, Sid Motion, Edel Assanti, Arcadia Missa, Tomasso Brothers Fine Art, Pilar Corrias, Tiwani Contemporary, Stuart Shave, Hannah Barry, Jack Bell and Unit London among others.
White Cube announced its temporary closure in London on Monday, while also announcing it would reopen in Hong Kong on 17 March.
Meanwhile, Lévy Gorvy announced on Tuesday 17 March it has closed in New York, London, and Zurich, while Ofer Waterman has also closed in London, opening "when it is advisable to do so".