African Art, Postal, Anacostia and Asian Art Museums to Close
Per the Smithsonian:
The National Museum of African Art, the National Postal Museum, the Anacostia Community Museum and the National Museum of Asian Art (Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery) are closed effective tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 29, and are scheduled to reopen Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.
Like many other organizations, the Smithsonian has been managing the direct and indirect outcomes of the latest surge in covid infections caused by the omicron variant. Over the last few days, the Smithsonian has seen an increase in positive covid cases and associated quarantine periods among our essential and operational staff. The closures of these four museums will allow the Smithsonian to reallocate staff and keep all other museums open for the remainder of the week.
The Smithsonian strives to keep as many of our museums open to the public as possible without sacrificing the health and safety of our visitors and staff.
Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo Reopening Plans Announced
Per the Smithsonian:
In May, we will reopen seven museums and the National Zoo. Visitors will need to reserve free timed-entry passes. Full reopening information at si.edu/visit.
Wednesday, May 5: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
Friday, May 14: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture , National Portrait Gallery Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery
Friday, May 21: National Museum of American History , Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in DC, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Passes are available starting today for the Udvar-Hazy Center. Passes for other locations will be available one week before their scheduled openings.
Some sites will have reduced hours. They all will have added health and safety measures, including limiting the number of people in our spaces, social distancing, face coverings, enhanced cleaning and hand-sanitizing stations. We ask visitors who are sick or feel unwell to please stay home.
Our outdoor Smithsonian Gardens have reopened. All other museums will remain closed.
