After museums given OK for a limited reopening, here’s when Whatcom Museum will do so
After being closed for six months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Whatcom Museum will open to the public on Saturday, Sept. 19, with health and safety rules that will include fewer people inside.
The museum in Bellingham closed on March 16.
The September reopening of the museum’s Lightcatcher Building, Museum Store and Old City Hall are being done under Gov. Jay Inslee’s amended guidelines for museums that are in Phase 2 or Phase 3 of his Safe Start plan.
However, the Family Interactive Gallery in the Lightcatcher will reopen at a later date.
“We are so excited to finally be able to open once again and see our members and guests after such a long hiatus,” said Patricia Leach, the museum’s executive director.
“We have rigorous safety protocols in place, often exceeding state health guidelines, in our effort to make our guests feel comfortable and safe when they visit, and we hope to see people back in our doors soon,” Leach said in a news release Monday, Aug. 31, announcing that the museum will be reopening its doors.
Museum capacity will be limited to 25% initially. Open hours will be noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
Arts supporters cheered the governor’s decision.
“This has come not a moment too soon. Many of our museums were on the brink of disaster,” said Karen Hanan, executive director of the Washington State Arts Commission in a statement. “Because of social distancing requirements, the arts and culture sector has been severely impacted by the pandemic. Many in our sector will be among the last to fully reopen. With a safety plan in place, museums and galleries will be ready to open their doors.”
There are more than 500 museums, large and small, in the state, and they focus on history, art, science and culture, according to the commission.
Here’s what else visitors need to know about the Whatcom Museum’s plans for reopening:
▪ Member-only days will be Sept. 16 through Sept. 18.
▪ Photo Archives will open by appointment only.
▪ No in-person school tours, programs, lectures or public gatherings will occur during this phase of reopening. Event rentals have been canceled through the end of 2020.
▪ Visitors age 2 years and older — with some exemptions that include younger children or people with certain medical or developmental conditions — must wear a face covering as required by the governor’s guidelines. The museum will provide a disposable mask for those who need one, or visitors can buy a reusable mask in the Museum Store.
▪ Museum employees must wear face coverings when in visitor areas.
▪ Visitors must stay at least 6 feet away from others not in their group, including when they check in.
▪ Sneeze guards have been installed at admission areas and where people check in.
▪ There will be hand-sanitizing stations throughout the museum.
▪ One family group will be allowed in the Museum Store at at time, with signs directing visitor flow in the store and other parts of the museum.
▪ Fewer visitors will be allowed inside galleries.
▪ Fresh air will be circulated frequently throughout buildings each day.
▪ Increased sanitation and disinfection will be available, including for interactive displays and high-touch surfaces. Deep cleaning will be done after closing.
▪ Visitors who feel sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, live with or care for someone who has been ill, or have traveled or live with someone who has traveled in the last 14 days, will be asked to come back another time.
Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood said he was pleased to be able to reopen the museum, with “strict measures” to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Our museum will be a popular recreation and cultural option for community members and visitors as we look toward fall and seek safe indoor activities,” Fleetwood said in the release.
Learn more at 360-778-8930, info@whatcommuseum.org or whatcommuseum.org, including about upcoming exhibitions and virtual programs.
This story was originally published August 31, 2020 at 12:50 PM.
