PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia museums that are temporarily closed because of the pandemic are waiting to see if the city’s Jan. 4 reopening date still holds. Health officials say it’s contingent on COVID-19 cases after the holidays, which they expect to surge.
If museums are permitted to reopen on Jan. 4, not all plan to open their doors to in-person visitors just yet.
At the Betsy Ross House, strict health and safety protocols are in place. Betsy herself will be greeting guests only outdoors in the courtyard. It will operate on a pay-as-you-wish model.
“Throughout the house, we have hand sanitizing stations,” said Director Lisa Acker Moulder, “and we removed most of the interactive elements and high-touch points.”
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Meanwhile, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is looking at a tentative mid-January reopening date.
“The middle of January makes sense based on the science,” said Niki Stewart, chief learning and engagement officer, “because of what we know about the transmission, and we anticipate people getting together over the holidays and New Year’s. We think a couple of weeks after … makes sense from both a programming perspective and from a safety perspective.”
Regardless, virtual programming will continue along with in-person exhibits. Up until now, it was just one or the other.
“The hybrid approach to learning wherever you are, as well as you coming to us at the academy, is really what we’re looking at,” she said. “I’m excited by the possibilities and technology.”
The Museum of the American Revolution is planning to reopen on Jan. 8, if permitted. And, only on Fridays through Sundays until further notice.
In a statement, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance said the mandated closures thus far have had a “painful economic and social impact” on the arts and culture community. It said re-opening is a “much-needed boost for our weary sector.”