The Smithsonian is starting to come back!

The Smithsonian has announced it will finally open two of its facilities to the public. The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will open on Friday, July 24, 2020. Each museum will require guests to reserve free timed entry passes online ahead of their visit, and visitors will have to follow health and safety protocols. Some exhibits may remain closed.

The National Zoo is the first Smithsonian attraction to open in the District, and admission will be limited to 5,000 people per day. The zoo will institute one-way traffic, and many of the indoor and high-density attractions will be closed. Everyone over the age of 6 will be required to wear a mask, and the zoo will have hand sanitizing stations throughout. The concessions and outdoor retail kiosks will be open, and extra food trucks will be on site. Admission is free, but if you are planning to drive, you can purchase a parking pass that covers admission for everyone in your car for $30. The National Zoo will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and tickets can reserved up to one week ahead of time starting on Monday. 

Courtesy The Smithsonian

The National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly is also opening on Friday with timed entry ticketing. Due to the indoor nature of the museum, daily admission will be limited to only 1,500 people. Masks are required for visitors age 6 and up, but the museum is recommending kids aged 2 to 6 wear a mask if possible. Parking is $10 and refreshments will be provided by food trucks. The Udvar-Hazy Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. 

The Smithsonian has not made any announcements regarding the opening museums and attractions on the National Mall.