NC museums have the Phase 2.5 green light. Here’s when they actually plan to open.
North Carolina moves into its Safer at Home Phase 2.5 on Friday afternoon, which allows for the opening of state and local museums.
But parents will have to find another way to occupy the kids for at least one more weekend before they can take advantage of museum outings in Raleigh.
Most museums will be begin reopening next week with limited capacity, increased cleaning measures and face mask requirements.
Here’s what we know about when museums are opening and the measures they are taking to keep everyone safe. We’ll update this story as we get more info on museums.
NC Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh
Opening date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
Safety measures: The museum is offering free, timed-entry tickets to encourage social distancing. Cloth masks are required for entry. Lockers are closed, so leave all backpacks and personal items in your cars. There are dedicated entry and exit doors, and a masked security guard to open them for you. Inside the galleries, stanchions and arrows will mark the one-way traffic flow. There will also be frequent cleaning of public areas and hand-sanitizing stations located throughout the museum.
Tickets: Tickets are free, but only a certain number of people will be allowed inside at a time. The best bet is to reserve tickets in advance online, but tickets can also be obtained at the check-in desks in both buildings.
Info: ncartmuseum.org
NC Museum of History
5 East Edenton St., Raleigh
Opening date: Thursday, Sept. 10
Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday for seniors and immune-compromised visitors; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for the general public; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday for the general public.
Safety measures: Capacity is limited to 250 people at a time in the museum. Cloth face masks required for entry. Hand-sanitizing stations are situated throughout the museum, and there will be increased frequency of cleaning in public areas and restrooms. Protective barriers are installed at sales counters and information desks. The gift shop will be open with limited capacity, and some interactive features will be paused or modified.
Tickets: Free, no tickets required
Info: ncmuseumofhistory.org
Marbles Kids Museum
201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh
Opening date: Wednesday, Sept. 16 (early access for members Sept. 11-13)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday (members only 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday)
Safety measures: Online timed entry ticket reservations are required to limit capacity and ensure social distancing. New cleaning and sanitation protocols. Everyone age 5 and older will be required to wear a CDC-approved face covering.
Marbles IMAX theater will not reopen now, but private screenings are available.
Tickets: Online timed entry ticket reservations are required. Reduced admission price from 3 to 5 p .m. Wednesday through Friday.
Info: marbleskidsmuseum.org
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
11 W. Jones St., Raleigh
Opening date: Tuesday, Sept. 22
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Safety measures: Free, timed-entry tickets allow for limited capacity. Both buildings will be open but some smaller exhibits will be closed for social distancing. Face masks required for all museum staff and visitors (age 5 and up). There will be enhanced cleaning of the museum multiple times a day, and hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the buildings. Visitors are also asked to maintain a distance of at least six feet from other museum patrons.
Tickets: Free, timed-entry tickets can be reserved now.
Info: naturalsciences.org/open
Museum of Life + Science
433 W. Murray Ave., Durham
Opening date: Opened July 17 (this museum is not affiliated with a state or local municipality)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
Safety measures: New cleaning and sanitization procedures in place. Entrance area and cafe redesigned for better social distancing. Hand-sanitizing stations located throughout the museum. Restroom faucets and soap dispensers replaced with no-touch models. Face masks are required for all visitors (unless exempted) and staff. Some exhibits have been relocated or removed and plastic barriers installed at counters and between train seats.
Tickets: Admission is free to members. $23 for general admission; $21 for those 65 and older or those with a military ID; $18 for ages 3 to 12 and free for children under 3.
Info: lifeandscience.org
This story was originally published September 4, 2020 at 12:00 PM.
