The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art will all be reopening their doors to the public this week.
Art-loving Philadelphians we have good news for you! Six Philadelphia museums recently announced their reopening in light of the loosening of the COVID-19 restrictions and they’ll all be welcoming the public back this week!
“With the advent of a new year, we are grateful for the opportunity to welcome our visitors once again. Despite the continued challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resilience of the cultural sector shines through and cultural experiences remain essential to the well-being of the human spirit, providing inspiration, enrichment, and rejuvenation. Undoubtedly, the role of Philadelphia’s museums and cultural organizations will be a critical one in the region’s recovery,” said the cultural institutions in a joint statement.
Earlier in December, Governor Tom Wolf announced the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions all throughout Pennsylvania starting on Monday, January 4. Wolf explained the mitigation efforts that were first put in place on December 12 had been working well enough for the state to reopen some businesses, including museums, gyms and restaurants for indoor dining. In Philly, where measures are stricter than other areas, indoor dining is still not allowed, but at least we can visit museums!
The staggered re-opening of Philly’s museums will start with The Franklin Institute opening on Wednesday, January 6, followed by the Academy of Natural Sciences, The Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Friday, January 8. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts will open later in the month on Thursday, January 21, while other Philly cultural institutions like Eastern State Penitentiary and the Rodin Museum are planning to reopen their doors later in the Spring.
Here’s a full lowdown of the reopenings and new museums hours:
The Franklin Institute – Public opening: Wednesday, January 6.
- World-premiere exhibition, Crayola IDEAworks: The Creativity Exhibition, opens February 13.
- Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed: Mondays and Tuesdays, with the exception of Monday, January 18, 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.
Academy of Natural Sciences – Public opening: Friday, January 8.
- Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs opens January 8
- Hours: Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with members-only from 10 to 11 a.m. each day
- Monday, January 18, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with members-only from 10 to 11 a.m.
The Barnes Foundation – Public opening: Friday, January 8.
- Saturday, January 9 to Monday, January 11, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, January 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ADDITIONAL OPEN DAY)
- Friday, January 15 & Saturday, January 16, 9 a.m to 6 p.m. (EXTENDED HOURS)
- Sunday, January 17 & Monday, January 18, 11 a.m. t0 5 p.m.
- Regular open hours: Friday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., (10–11 am members-only hour)
- Elijah Pierce’s America (Extended through January 18, 2021)
Philadelphia Museum of Art – Public opening: Friday, January 8.
- Saturday, January 9 t0 Monday, January 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, January 15, 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. (pay-what-you-wish)
- Rodin Museum – A spring reopening will be announced at a later date.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – Public opening: Thursday, January 21.
- Hours: Thursday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed: Mondays through Wednesdays
- World-premiere exhibitions: Taking Space, Only Tony, and Roll, Press, Pull
All six museums will, of course, open with health & safety measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Comprehensive health and safety protocols are posted on each institution’s website.
[Featured image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art]