The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has reduced visitor capacity and is set to close its dining locations in response to a statewide surge of Covid-19 cases.
The Met’s decision follows the temporary closure of London’s Natural History Museum due to Covid-related “staff shortages”. NHM plans to reopen to the public on December 28.
On December 21, the Met museum announced that it would reduce visitor capacity. “For the health and safety of our staff and visitors, capacity is limited,” it said in a statement.
“Please prepare for longer lines and wait times outside the museum. Dining locations will close beginning Thursday, December 23,” the statement added.
Met museum shutting dining locations
New York City has experienced a spike in Covid cases driven by the Omicron variant. NYC currently requires proof of vaccination to enter museums. The vaccination mandate is dubbed the ‘Key to NYC’.
In accordance with the mandate, all visitors to The Met over the age of five must show proof that they have received at least one dose of an accepted vaccine to enter the institution.
“Reducing density is one important step to protect our staff and visitors,” Kenneth Weine, the Met museum’s chief communications officer, told Hyperallergic. “Annually, we have very big crowds over these two weeks,”
“In recognition of that and the recent strong admission numbers we’ve had, we’re taking this step to ensure that the entrance experience is safe for visitors and staff,” he added.
Baltimore Museum of Art closing galleries
The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) is also closing its galleries from December 22 through December 26, in response to “the current surge in positive Covid cases“.
“We pride ourselves on offering visitors excellent artistic experiences in a safe environment for everyone,” the Baltimore Museum of Art said in a statement.
“Given the current surge in positive Covid cases, we need a moment to step back and ensure our staff is ready to serve museum visitors. We think cautiously is the best way to move forward right now.”
Images: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
