News

Indoor museums and galleries allowed to reopen under new health directive

Museum visitors must wear face coverings. Reopening spaces must limit their capacity and get safety plans approved.
September 22, 2020

A new health directive allows for more indoor activities to reopen. They include:

  • Indoor museums
  • Indoor zoos
  • Indoor aquariums
  • Indoor art galleries

These facilities must submit a Health and Safety Plan to the Health Officer to reopen.

Allowed indoor museums can operate up to 25% capacity for each room

Everyone must be able to stay 6 feet apart at all times, including the elevators. Take the stairs if you can.

Limiting contact while visiting museums

The following will still be closed:

  • Group reservations
  • Guided tours
  • Classes and events (including event rentals)
  • Common areas (meeting rooms and lounge areas)
  • Indoor cafes for dining in 
  • Auditoriums
  • Coat checks
  • Interactive exhibits that involve touching
  • Water fountains

Bottle filling stations may still be available. 

See what else to expect when visiting a business during the coronavirus pandemic.

Other reopening rules

Museums must follow rules for reopening indoor retail if reopening their gift shops. 

They must also follow rules for outdoor dining if reopening their cafes outdoors. Indoor cafes can do takeout by following takeout rules.