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:
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.
