Several museums and the National Zoo will reopen in May
Operating status for most staff remains unchanged.
The Smithsonian offers so much to our nation. For some, it provides respite from the world as they explore art, history, science, and culture. For others, it helps them reconcile the current moment with stories of perseverance and the belief in a better shared future. For all of our visitors, it is a place that inspires, educates, and transforms. Today I am delighted to share the news that next month we will reopen several museums and the National Zoo to the public.
The first of our museums to greet visitors will be the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, on May 5th. Soon after, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, and the Renwick Gallery will open their doors on May 14th. Finally, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and the National Zoo will join them on May 21st.
The decision to reopen these facilities was made carefully and with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of our staff and visitors. We have been closely monitoring the landscape in our region and receiving guidance from government agencies and public health experts.
We have come a long way since closing to the public early last year. Moving forward, we will continue to apply lessons learned, listen to the concerns of frontline staff and visitors, and make adjustments along the way. When our museums temporarily reopened last summer, the safety measures we put in place were effective, and we did not experience any cases of COVID-19 transmission between our employees and visitors.
Although the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine alone does not impact our decision making, the vaccine does add a layer of protection to the safety measures in place. These include timed-entry passes, limiting attendance, social distancing, mandatory use of face coverings, and enhanced cleaning.
Please note that these reopenings do not change our operating status. Only certain people directly involved with reopening will return to the workplace. If you are not asked to report to the workplace by your supervisor, please continue teleworking. And, as always, if you feel ill, stay home. Please continue to care for one another and support our community as we slowly and diligently move forward.
I am proud of your dedication and your ability to adapt to meet our mission in ever-changing circumstances. You have shown me, time and time again, how much we can accomplish. Together, we will move beyond the challenge and sacrifice of the previous 13 months.
Sincerely,
Lonnie G. Bunch
Secretary
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Posted: 23 April 2021
