Museums and Washington, D.C. go together like peanut butter and jelly, like cherry blossoms and springtime, like masks and hand sanitizer! It’s been a rough start to the year without being able to visit some of our favorite Washington, D.C. landmarks. Thankfully, starting in July, many D.C. institutions are reopening to the public. Here are four worth putting a mask on for…
#1 — Udvar-Hazy Center
Though there are some exhibits that are still closed due to COVID, there is still plenty to enjoy at the aviation-focused Udvar-Hazy Center. For example, learn how rockets altered warfare and took us into space in the Rockets and Missiles exhibit. Or see for yourself the kinds of streamlined, all-metal aircrafts that came out of World War II. Please note that The National Air and Space Museum in DC still remains closed.
COVID Precautions:
- Timed-entry pass
- Wear a face covering (over age of 6 required; highly recommended between 2-6)
- Maintain 6 ft social distance
- Wash hands and/or use provided hand sanitizer
#2 — National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is the only major museum in the entire world dedicated to honoring only women in the arts. Current exhibitions include Return to Nature, a pop-up installation that showcases how women photographers apply to natural subjects, a look at award-winning scholar and art historian, Linda Nochlin, and the New York Avenue Sculpture Project featuring Mexico City-based Betsabeé Romero.
COVID Precautions:
- Admission tickets are timed and must be obtained ahead of time (admission is free)
- Early hours are planned onTuesdays from August through November for guests 65 + or with high risk health conditions
- Face masks must be worn by staff and visitors at all times
- Social distancing markers and signage are posted throughout, as well as plexiglass installed at transactional areas
- Hand sanitizer stations are available
- One person or one group/household at the elevator at a time
- Coats and bag checks are suspended
- The Mezzanine Café is closed
- In-person gallery talks, tours, and public programs are canceled
#3 — O Museum in The Mansion
Have you ever visited a museum that’s whole mission is to empower people to do what they love and have fun? O Museum in the Mansion is not your typical stuffy museum. Through a fusion of arts, science, and sports, they inspire guests to realize their vision, experience the creative process, empower authenticity, inspire imagination, and dare to be different. Visit their site to explore the many exhibits, events, tours, and treasure hunts.
COVID Precautions:
- Online reservations required
- Masks required by staff and visitors
- Socially distant
#4 — George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Experience George Washington’s estate for yourself — inside and out. Wander through parlors, dining rooms, passageways, butler’s pantry, bedchambers, and more in the authentically interpreted 18th century mansion. Outside, the outbuildings where enslaved men and women work as blacksmiths and weavers is in working order and will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back into the 18th century.
COVID Precautions:
- Tickets required to tour the inside of the mansion
- The distillery and 4D Theater remain closed
- Markings and signage to encourage social distancing
- Clear bags required so staff are able to safely conduct bag checks
- Face coverings required by staff and guests inside and out
- Hand sanitizer stations installed throughout
- Enhanced cleaning provided in high-touch areas throughout the day
