New York can reopen museums and cultural institutions from August 24 following months of closures due to the coronavirus crisis, as confirmed by Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo.
The announcement came as the state of New York has had less than 1 percent of all coronavirus tests return positive for seven straight days (via NY Times).
Museums are allowed to open at 25 percent capacity. They must use a timed ticketing system, implement mandatory face masks, and control the flow of traffic through their buildings
“I’m walking on air,” said Adam D Weinberg, director of the Whitney Museum of American Art. “We’ve been waiting for weeks with bated breath.”
The Whitney plans to open to the public on September 3 with “pay what you wish” admission fees, while the Metropolitan Museum of Art is set to reopen on August 29.
Metropolitan Museum of Art reopening August 29
Great news from @NYGovCuomo! We are so excited to reopen to the public on Saturday, August 29.
Your health and safety are our top priorities. The Met is following guidelines issued by the CDC, New York State, and New York City.
⬇️ Read our guidelineshttps://t.co/JyKZXlj8ob https://t.co/z7HsOvQl2O pic.twitter.com/L5vmzeFqCT
— The Metropolitan Museum of Art (@metmuseum) August 14, 2020
The Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of the City of New York are set to open on August 27, and the American Museum of Natural History is reopening on September 9.
“We’re ready to open now,” said Whitney Donhauser, director of the Museum of the City of New York. “It’s just a question of making sure out staff is trained and ready to go.”
The Met will be offering preview days for members on August 27 and 28, and the Met Cloisters is scheduled to reopen on September 12.
“After nearly six months, The Met’s reopening will be a historic moment for the museum and the city,” said Daniel H Weiss, president and CEO of The Met.
The Whitney Museum set to reopen on September 3
We’re almost back! We're excited about Gov. Cuomo's announcement today that museums in New York may safely reopen later this month.
Stay tuned for more details about the Whitney’s reopening plans, including exhibitions on view, ticketing, and safety precautions.
See you soon! pic.twitter.com/LVz22dBdHp
— Whitney Museum (@whitneymuseum) August 14, 2020
“Throughout the recent months of uncertainty, isolation and grief, we have longed for the day when we can safely welcome everyone back to The Met, where all can find comfort, inspiration, and a sense of community.”
The Met has developed comprehensive health and safety measures for both staff and visitors, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Elsewhere, the US House of Representatives approved legislation to establish a National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, DC. The US Olympic & Paralympic Museum has opened in southwest downtown Colorado Springs.
