On the morning of the museum reopening,  Kirk Johnson is almost as excited as the kids lined up outside. “I am just so happy,” says Johnson, the Sant Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. “461 days closed, and I’ve been coming in almost every one of them,” he says.

But a museum without visitors — especially this one — is just a collection. 

Johnson is a paleontologist by trade, and he understands why that lost time has been so monumental for kids. “Separate a 5-year-old from dinosaurs for a year and a half — that’s like 25% of a young child’s life! And if they’re a dinosaur fan — which they all are — it’s been a horrible year.”

It’s clear from the passion in Johnson’s voice that the museum closure wasn’t just a disappointment for 5-year-olds. As the halls fills with curious people of all ages, there is a palpable excitement. 

The museum, home to an impressive Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and the famous Hope Diamond, among many other treasures, is once again open — but there’s a catch.  “We are on a timed entry pass system right now,” Donna Tuggle, the museum’s Chief of Visitor Experience tells WAMU. And as many disappointed parents and kids discovered Friday morning, there are no exceptions.

Colleen Popson, an educational liaison for the museum, had the tough job of turning guests away. 

“I’ve only made two people cry — two kids,” she says.

For those luckily enough to have reserved passes, there’s an additional upside. The limited number of visitors means experiencing the museum without the usual throngs of people. 

The museum’s hours are a little more limited than in pre-pandemic times. The space will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of the exhibits, as well as the cafes and stores, will remain closed, according to the museum’s website. But happily for many visitors, highlights like the Hope Diamond and T. Rex exhibits are still open. 

Other safety rules are in place, with guests required to wear facemasks and groups limited to six or fewer.  

As for the 5-year-olds? Judging by the peals of laughter, they are pretty happy with the compromises. 

Anyone wanting to visit the museum can sign up for free timed entry passes online or  by calling 800-514-3849.