After a five-month shutdown, museums and cultural institutions will finally be able to entertain New Yorkers again starting on Monday.
Browsing galleries could look much different than before. Facilities are operating at a limited capacity -- along with timed ticketing and staggered entry. All guests and staff are required to wear face coverings.
Most museums have announced reopening dates over the next few weeks. The Metropolitan Museum of Art will reopen on August 29, and the American Museum of Natural History will welcome visitors starting September 9.
Aquariums are also allowed to reopen across the state. The New York Aquarium will welcome members starting on Monday, then the general public on Thursday.
Some museums have decided to hold off on reopening during a pandemic. The New York Hall of Science announced last month that it will stay closed until at least Spring 2021. The exhibits are hands-on, which museum officials say could cause an unsafe environment for children at this time.
During the shutdown, many institutions have relied on virtual programming to keep visitors engaged while at home. Some of those services will remain in place, as large events are still not permitted.
Visitors interested in checking out the museums that are turning their lights back on are encouraged to inquire about updated hours and purchase tickets in advance.