The District is starting to return to its old self.

As vaccines go out and the world tiptoes cautiously towards a return to normalcy, inquiring minds want to know: what about the museums? COVID-19 cases are dropping in the District, and like cherry blossom buds signaling spring, museums are reopening to signal a nearly-normal summer on the horizon.

According to Washington.org, the District's official website, "The city is currently in Phase Two of recovery, which allows many businesses to reopen. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that a recent pause during Phase Two has ended, which allows ... museums to reopen with no more than 250 people allowed per floor and no guided tours. The Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden and Enid A. Haupt Garden remain open. Outdoor spaces for museums may allow greater access ... Food service cafes and retail are allowed to open in line with industry standards."

Still, the District notes, some degree of caution is still necessary. "The Mayor strongly encourages residents and visitors to be cautious and to limit their exposure to other people so as to limit the spread of COVID-19 ... Employees and patrons should socially distance and wear face coverings at all times ... Guided tours and large group tours are not allowed."

Here's a comprehensive list of open/reopened museums:

Are you excited for the museums to reopen? Let us know in the comments. 

Tabitha Brower
A film school grad, Tabitha loves well-told stories wherever she can find them, whether in movies, TV, music, books, or games. She's also a nature enthusiast, so catch her birdwatching or hitting up a new hike. You can find her cheeky mini film reviews on Letterboxd as @tabbrower.
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