The Smithsonian Institute is preparing to reopen all of its Washington DC museums for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
According to the DCist, The Smithsonian began a phased reopening of some museums in May. The museums that reopened then were chosen because these institutions had opened earlier during the pandemic and had logistical and safety measures already in place.
The rest of the Smithsonian museums will have a staggered reopening throughout the summer. The National Museum of Natural History will be the first to reopen on June 18. Throughout July, the National Gallery of African Art, the National Museum of Asian Art Freer Gallery, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Smithsonian Institution Building will reopen. The Anacostia Community Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum, and the National Postal Museum will reopen in August.
Although DC has lifted its mask mandate, the Smithsonian museums will continue to require guests to wear masks indoors. Other COVID-19 precautions such as limited capacities and directional signage will also be in place.
You can view a full list of the Smithsonian’s reopening schedule here.