Durham Museum Announces Reopening Plans

Beginning on Saturday, July 18, 2020, The Durham Museum will be reopening for museum members only. The Museum will open to the general public on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Museum hours will be Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM, Sunday 12-4PM and closed Mondays. As part of its ongoing effort to assist the community in preventing the spread of COVID-19, The Durham Museum has implemented a phased reopening approach that includes new protocols and procedures, including timed tickets.

Each person visiting, including children and museum members, must secure a ticket (for a specific date and arrival time) in advance at DurhamMuseum.org. The non-refundable tickets will be available online on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be purchased 5 days in advance of visiting. There will not be an option to purchase admission tickets onsite. Members may reserve their free tickets online starting on July 13 and tickets will be available for purchase online by the general public on July 27.

An email confirmation of this transaction will be sent to the email address provided at checkout. Upon arrival, attendants at the main entrance will check the online or printed receipt with a barcode, as well as a valid ID and membership card.  Guests are asked to have tickets and cards ready to show the front desk attendant upon arrival. Museum admission must correlate to the printed date and time on the ticket.

Some of the museum’s exhibits and interactives will remain closed for the first phase of reopening, including: Train Cars, Streetcar, Caboose, Platform, Mutual of Omaha Theater, Photo Archive and touchscreens/hands-on interactives throughout.

Guests will be encouraged to follow CDC recommendations and practice social distancing while they visit the museum. We are highly encouraging visitors to wear masks.

 The reopening also marks the extension of the museum’s current travelling exhibition, Pulitzer Prize Photographs, on display through September 20.

The Durham will be extending membership expiration dates to ensure that guests will not miss out on any of the full 12 months of membership benefits. This applies to memberships active during or purchased during the Museum closure.

“We have been preparing to welcome visitors back to the museum since our closure nearly 4 months ago.  We are here to serve our community and are working hard to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,” said Christi Janssen, Executive Director.

Other items in place for the health and safety of museum staff and guests:

– Water fountains are not in service, but guests may bring their own water.
-Protective barriers have been installed at the front desk, museum shop and soda fountain.
-Hand sanitizing stations will be available for visitor use.
-We have reduced touchpoints for guests and staff and have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting throughout the museum (using a CDC approved disinfectant).
-Some areas may be noted as a one-way experience for the safety of all.
-In line with recommendations from the CDC, potential visitors are asked to stay home if they are ill or think they may have been in contact with someone who is/was ill.

Full details, as well as a list of frequently asked questions, may be found here.