NEW GUIDANCE AT SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS INCLUDE:
- Visitors 2 years old and older must wear a mask
- Free time entry passes must be obtained before the visit in an effort to manage the number of visitors
- Hours of operation will be limited initially
The African American Museum re-opened today just in time to welcome summer visitors with new safety guidelines. It joins the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, also re-opened their doors after shutting down during the pandemic. It falls along the timeframe that masking restrictions were lifted, but is a part of a phased re-opening plan that was already in the works. The three museums will FLOTUS Jill Biden was a special guest and brought chocolate chip cookies from the White House for those attending the re-opening ceremony. She mentioned how good it felt not to have to wear a mask.
A pool report said FLOTUS ended by expressing excitement about soon hopefully opening up the White House so the workers attending the re-opening could see where she works.
The Museum attempted to reopen in 2020 only to close amid a surge in Coronavirus cases.
The new director is hopeful the doors will remain open this time.
After a year of social unrest and the ongoing pandemic, many of us have been pinballing between anticipation and worry, relief and reflection,” said Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “This is all the more reason why the museum proves important, speaking to this moment with deep meaning. It is why, as we reopen safely and surely, I am excited to see Heritage Hall open to visitors who have waited many months to walk through our doors.”
The museum will be closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday each week during the initial reopening phase and open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some exhibitions, interactives and indoor spaces are closed or will operate at limited capacity. Visitors should check the museum’s website for updated resources and other pertinent information.
The museum has implemented several new safeguards based on recommendations from public health officials:
· All visitors who are not feeling well should stay home, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
· Visitors ages two and older are required to wear face coverings (over the mouth and nose) at all times.
· The museum uses timed-entry passes and limits the number of people to allow for safe social distancing.
· Social distancing and face-covering requirements will be enforced by museum personnel stationed in the galleries.
· Hand-sanitizer stations will be positioned throughout the museum.
· Staff will be conducting enhanced cleaning measures frequently.
· In addition to limiting the number of visitors entering the facility, directional guidance and one-way paths will be in place to ensure social distancing.