Come wonder again at the Nature Museum starting July 8!
The Nature Museum will be open to visitors Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10am-4pm, beginning July 8. We will reopen 7 days a week beginning September 7, 2021.
We look forward to welcoming our members and guests back to the Museum. We are structuring our reopening with responsible attention to the needs of our visitors. Given the health inequities throughout the city, as well as a lack of a vaccine for children, much of our primary audience remains unvaccinated. As a result, we are asking our visitors, volunteers, and staff to adhere to common COVID-19 safety procedures when they are in our building. Our decision to close our building and now to reopen were informed by science, and we will continue to follow the science throughout the pandemic.
Have questions about your visit? Refer to our FAQs below for answers and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I am vaccinated, do I have to wear a mask?
Yes, even if you are vaccinated you are required to wear a face covering during your Nature Museum visit. We are encouraging social distancing as much as possible inside the Nature Museum building, as well. We are aware that much of our primary audience remains unvaccinated. Therefore, we are asking our visitors, volunteers, and staff to adhere to common COVID-19 safety procedures when they are in our building to help keep our most vulnerable guests safe.
Will you provide masks for guests who arrive without one?
Masks will be available at the front desk for those who may have forgotten theirs.
Why do you require mask policies for outdoor programming and camp?
While participating in outdoor programming allows for greater ventilation and social distancing, we are aware that programs like camp, nature walks, and Critter Connections still result in groups being closer than 6 feet apart. We require masks for those above 2 years of age to help keep everyone safe.
Is sanitizer available?
Yes, there are multiple sanitizing stations located throughout the Museum. Guests also have access to restrooms on every level.
Is eating and drinking allowed at the Museum?
To help keep everyone safe, we have designated two eating spaces for our guests’ convenience. Nature’s Lunchbox, located on Level 1, is our designated indoor eating space. The Ravine, located outside the lobby doors on Level 1, is our designated outdoor eating space.
We have temporarily turned off our drinking fountains, but visitors are welcome to bring their own water or purchase bottled water at the Nature Museum front desk. The Nature Museum Café and Store are also temporarily closed.
Will my favorite daily programs be different?
For everyone’s safety, some previously very hands-on programs will be adjusted. While guests may not be able to touch our animals for the time being, they will still be able to see them up close, ask questions, watch live feedings, and more. Our Story Time program is currently paused to allow for additional Critter Connections/Animal Feedings and First Flight Butterfly Releases with reduced capacity to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.
Are staff members screened before work?
Yes, all staff members are required to complete a COVID-19 screening upon reporting to work each day.
Are there any areas that are not accessible to visitors right now?
Our temporary exhibit space is currently closed until the grand opening of our award-winning exhibit Weather to Climate in September.
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