Museums on the mall and in Chinatown will reopen with limited capacity and hours.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you might want to reserve a ticket for the museum. Four Smithsonian museums will reopen to public on Friday, September 18, after being closed during the pandemic for more than six months. Museums opening their doors include the National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Renwick Gallery. All museums will require guests to reserve timed-entry passes ahead of time.

The National Zoo and National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia opened in July. The Smithsonian Gardens on the grounds of the National Mall also reopened on August 17. The reopening of museums likely was held back to avoid spread of the virus during the busy summer tourist season. Now locals and visitors will be able to revisit these popular D.C. landmarks. Gift shops and cafes will remain closed, along with select exhibits at each museum.

Courtesy Smithsonian

Museums Opening Friday:

National Museum of African American History and Culture
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets

National Portrait Gallery
8th and G Streets NW, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets

American Art Museum
8th and G Streets, NW, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets

Renwick Gallery
Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Tickets

Free timed-entry passes are available at the links above. All visitors must follow social distancing guidelines, and people over age 6 are required to wear a mask. The museum encourages children aged 2 and up to wear a mask if possible. Groups larger than six are not allowed and children must be in the company of a chaperone.

Christa Emmer
Christa Emmer is a news and lifestyle writer based in the ‘burbs of Maryland. She has contributed to CBS DC, Racked, and AXS.com and is always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in beauty. Contact her at [email protected].
RELATED ARTICLES