HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Another popular Huntsville attraction is reopening to the public.
The Huntsville Museum of Art reopens its galleries to members from Tuesday, May 26 through Sunday, May 31, and to the general public on Tuesday, June 2.
The museum announced new policies and procedures to allow guests and staff to enjoy the museum while complying with coronavirus safety recommendations,
Guests with symptoms of COVID-19 or who have a fever will not be admitted to the Museum. The Museum will also be limiting the number of guests in the gallery to 35 people per hour. Guests will be required to wear masks and maintain a 6-foot distance while in the galleries and cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue.
Staff members will be wearing face masks and gloves and protective shields have been installed at the guest service desk to protect staff members and guests.
Museum Executive Director Christopher Madkour says the new policies are vital to a safe reopening.
“We take the health and safety of our guests and staff very seriously,” said Madkour. “We have implemented strict sanitizing procedures while closed, and we will continue to maintain a clean and safe environment for all as we reopen.”
The museum will have special hours this week for members ages 60 and older. Senior hours will take place on Tuesday, May 26 through Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Museum officials say that to comply with CDC standards and the recommendations of state government officials, the Museum will be thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing high traffic areas such as the lobby, restrooms, classrooms, and other high contact surfaces throughout the day. Hand sanitizer that kills 99.99 percent of germs that cause common illnesses will also be available, and guests will be encouraged to wash their hands following CDC guidelines.
The Museum Academy is also adding new policies and procedures to protect all students and instructors during classes and activities. Students will not be allowed in if they have a fever or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, and all staff, instructors, and students will be required to wear masks during classes.
Laura E. Smith, Director of Education/Museum Academy, says classrooms will be thoroughly sanitized following each class and throughout the day and hand sanitizer will be made available.
“The Huntsville Museum of Art Academy is actively monitoring and structuring summer workshops, classes, and camps based on the CDC and Alabama Department of Public Health guidelines in response to COVID-19,” said Smith. “The Museum Academy has implemented new procedures to provide a safe and creative environment for all ages. I welcome you to join us this summer to create, discover, and explore the visual arts.”
Find the latest updates to Museum’s policies by visiting their COVID-19 response page here.
