After closing because of the pandemic in March 2020, the Smithsonian is preparing to reopen all of its museums by the end of the summer.
In April, the Smithsonian announced a phased rollout over the course of May for several museums. The National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Renwick Gallery have all welcomed back visitors, as have the National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Zoo. (A slew of non-Smithsonian museums have also opened this spring.)
Now, the remainder will open throughout June, July and August. For most museums, timed entry passes will be required. They can be reserved online one week before a museum opens.
Here’s the schedule:
Friday, June 18: The National Museum of Natural History will be open Wednesdays to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, July 16: The National Museum of African Art will open Wednesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The National Museum of Asian Art Freer Gallery will also open, and operate Friday to Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, July 30: The National Air and Space Museum will open Thursday to Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Smithsonian Institution Building, or the “Castle” will open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday Aug. 6: The Anacostia Community Museum will open Tuesday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Timed-entry passes will not be required.
Friday Aug. 20: The Hirshhorn Museum will open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 27: The National Postal Museum will open Friday to Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Timed-entry passes will not be required.
Despite D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s recent orders ending the city-wide mask mandate and lifting capacity limits in all settings on June 11, the museums will maintain some pandemic-era precautions. Guests over age two will be required to wear a face mask indoors, but fully vaccinated visitors can ditch their mask in outdoor spaces. The number of guests will also be limited, hence the timed-entry passes for several museums, which restrict groups to a maximum of six people. Walking pathways and directional guidance will also stay to maintain social distancing. Cafe and gift shop operation may vary by location, and information is available on each museum’s website.
Colleen Grablick