Children’s museum closes after angry confrontations over face mask policy in Colorado

A rise in angry confrontations with visitors over face mask policies have prompted the Children’s Museum of Denver to temporarily close down, officials said.

“We are sorry that the unacceptable behavior of others means you cannot enjoy the museum at this time,” a statement on the museum’s site says. The museum closed Wednesday, Jan. 26.

It will remain closed until Feb. 5 to strengthen its policies and provide support to employees who have borne the brunt of anger over face mask requirements, the site says.

The museum requires everyone ages 2 and up to wear a face mask, regardless of vaccine status, to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

No exemptions are allowed. The policies are in line with Denver public health orders.

“We know the stress of the last two years has taken a toll on everyone in our community, but regrettably, some guests who object to the museum’s mask policy have been inappropriately directing their anger toward our staff,” officials said in the statement.

In a statement, Michael Yankovich, president and CEO of the museum, said it received an “outpouring of support” after the decision, KDVR reported.

“Thank you to all who have sent messages filled with positivity and kind words,” Yankovich said, according to the news station. He said the closure will allow museum workers to “take a step back” to ensure the museum “is a safe place for both our community and our staff.”

The museum, which opened in a converted school bus in 1973, now has a 9-acre campus at Marisco Commons. It has more than 500,000 visitors each year, CityPass reported.

Critics of face mask policies have prompted confrontations and arrests across the United States throughout the coronavirus pandemic, according to news reports.

This story was originally published January 26, 2022 at 2:24 PM with the headline "Children’s museum closes after angry confrontations over face mask policy in Colorado."