The National Museum of Natural History welcomed visitors again Friday, adding to the list of Smithsonian museums reopening this summer.
The hours are a little different at first: Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of the exhibits, as well as the cafes and stores, will still be closed. The Hope Diamond and the T. Rex will still be accessible, though. You can check the museum’s website for the full list of which attractions are open.
Safety rules are in place, including a face-mask requirement for everyone age 2 and up; lockers won’t be available; groups larger than six are prohibited, and you can only get in on the National Mall side and out on Constitution Avenue, among other restrictions.
“After 15 months, we’re excited to welcome visitors back to the museum safely,” said Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History, in the statement. “
We’ve missed the millions of people who come here every year to deepen their appreciation for science and the natural world and look forward to inspiring them once again.”
Also set to reopen this summer:
- National Museum of African Art — July 16
- National Museum of Asian Art Freer Gallery — July 16
- National Air and Space Museum — July 30
- Smithsonian Castle — July 30
- Anacostia Community Museum — Aug. 6
- Hirshhorn Museum — Aug. 20
- National Postal Museum — Aug. 27
The National Museum of Natural History said that you’ll need free timed-entry passes to get in, and you can get them by calling 800-514-3849, ext. 1, or going online.
