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Writer's pictureIrene Levy Baker

Museums Re-opening! What You Need To Know


Courtesy of the Barnes Foundation.

The Barnes is home to one of the world’s finest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modernist paintings, as well as African sculptures, masks, and tools; Native American jewelry, textiles, and ceramics; and pieces of decorative art.

  • Book tickets in advance online or by phone at 215/278-7200.

  • While advance purchase is recommended, day of tickets can be obtained, if available, using a contactless kiosk in the Visitor Center on 20th Street.

  • Tickets on your phone are scanned on a contactless kiosk.

  • Try to leave coats and large bags at home or in your car but if needed, complimentary coat check is available.

  • Masks are required and should cover mouth and nose.

  • Stay 6 feet from other people.

  • A limited number of visitors are permitted in galleries at one time.

  • A one-way flow of traffic is required in the galleries and some other areas.

  • Contactless payment is available and encouraged throughout the building.

  • Building is rigorously cleaned and hand sanitizers are available.

  • Grab-and-go food is available, as is an outdoor seating area.

Tip: Parking is available.

One of the largest art museums in the nation, with an impressive collection of Renaissance, American, impressionist, Asian and modern art and 80 period rooms.

  • The museum is open Friday through Monday.

  • A limited number of timed tickets are available for each half-hour time slot, up to 2 weeks out.

  • Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

  • Enter through the new north entrance on Kelly Drive.

  • Masks and temperature checks are mandatory.

  • Tickets will be scanned using a contactless scanner.

  • Elevators are open. Number of riders is limited, unless you’re in the same party.

  • The museum is undergoing enhanced cleaning.

  • The stores are open, with limited capacity.

  • Hand sanitizer can be found throughout the museum.

  • The Perelman Building will remain closed through 2021. The Rodin Museum is closed until the Spring of 2021. The historic homes, Cedar Grove and Mount Pleasant are closed until further notice.

  • The museum also offers lots of virtual content


Tip: The main building is “pay what you wish” the first Sunday of every month and on Fridays from 5 to 8:45 p.m.


The nation’s most historic square mile - home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell & more!

  • The following buildings are open daily from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. with limited capacity: Independence Hall (up to 9 people every 15 minutes), Liberty Bell (20 person limit), Old City Hall (9 person limit), Congress Hall (9 person limit), Independence Visitor Center (for up to 150 people).

  • Markers for social distancing have been installed.

  • Clear protective shields have been installed at public contact stations.

  • To remain closed: The exhibit in the west wing of Independence Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, the Edgar Allen Poe National Historical Site.

Tip: The Second Bank and Free Quaker Meeting House will re-open as staffing permits.

Penn Museum. Photo by Remy Perez.

Single use stylus is available for exploring digital screens.cts, many of them from worldwide scientific expeditions sponsored by the museum. Highlights of the collection include a 3,200 year-old sphinx, Egyptian mummies, some of the world’s oldest writing, masks from West African and 4,500 year-old jewelry worn by royalty.

  • Book timed tickets ahead of time.

  • Groups are limited to 6 people.

  • Masks are required. Mouth and noses must be covered.

  • Symptom checks are required for visitors aged 2+ and staff.

  • Stay 6 feet from anyone not in your household group.

  • Hand sanitizer and wipe stations can be found throughout the museum.

  • Plexiglass barriers have been installed where transactions occur.

  • Single use stylus are available for exploring digital screens.

  • The shop is open.

  • The museum cafe is closed. The coat room and lockers are unavailable.


Tip: The museum is about to kick off a month-long festival of virtual happenings.


Also open:

Academy of Natural Sciences

American Helicopter Museum & Education Center in West Chester

American Swedish Museum

American Treasure Tour Museum in Oaks

Betsy Ross House

Boyerstown Museum of Historic Vehicles in Boyerstown

Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford

Eastern State Penitentiary (opening in March)

Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown

Fonthill Castle in Doylestown

Franklin Institute

Franklin Square

Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ

Institute of Contemporary Art

Legoland Discovery Center in Plymouth Meeting

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square

Mercer Museum in Doylestown

Museum of the American Revolution

Mutter Museum

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Rosenbach (on 1/21)

Tyler Arboretum in Media

Wonderspaces


 

by Irene Levy Baker, author, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia. Both books are full of tips. For even more tips, visit www.100ThingsToDoInPhiladelphia.com. Planning a staycation? Need gifts? Go to the website for signed copies of books. For free shipping, use promo code TheCityPulse. Click here for more blog postings by Irene Levy Baker including where to get warm cocktails, Philly-themed masks and socially-distant tours.



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