The National Museum of African American History and Culture will reopen its doors to the public Friday, months after shuttering its doors due to coronavirus concerns. It is one of several popular Washington, D.C. museums implementing health-safety measures to welcome back visitors.
“We are taking all of the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff, visitors and volunteers,” said Spencer Crew, interim director, in a press statement. “As we continue to adjust our operations, we want to make sure we offer the best experience possible to everyone who enters our museum.”
Adapting in the time of Covid-19, the museum is taking extra safety measures to protect its visitors and staff. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the museum will still operate on timed-entry passes, but will limit the number of passes to 250 per day for the first few weeks of reopening before upping that number to 1,100 per day during the third week.
In recent months the museum has also launched digital exhibits and online discussing revolving around the historical role of Black athletes and their role in the struggle for social justice, the legacy of John Lewis, and a curator chat series that provides context and insight into past and current issues.
Typical safety polices remain in place at the museum, with all visitors required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing measures.
At this time, “all on-site docent-led public tours and events are suspended until further notice,” the NMAAHC website states, while some exhibits may be closed or operate at a limited capacity.
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Roundup of what else is reopening in the D.C. area:
—The Hirshhorn Museum has reopened its sculpture garden from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. While the museum itself remains closed to the public, in March the Hirshhorn launched its #HirshhornInsideOut initiative that includes online events, workshops, and artist talks.
—The International Spy Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Advanced tickets required)
—The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, is open daily from 10 a.m. 5:30 p.m. (Free, timed-entry passes required).
—Smithsonian’s National Zoo is open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Free, timed-entry passes required). Have kids at home? Enjoy the zoo’s at-home educational series from the comfort of your own neighborhood.
—George Washington’s Mount Vernon is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tickets required)
—National Portrait Gallery is open Wednesdays through Sundays 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning September 18. (Free, timed-entry passes required). Can’t make it in person? Be sure to check out their “visit from home” page that includes online exhibits, programs, and lectures.
—Smithsonian American Art Museum with the Renwick Gallery is open Wednesdays through Sundays 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. beginning September 18. (Free, timed-entry passes required)
