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You are here: Home / News / Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Udvar-Hazy Center To Reopen July 24 With New Safety Measures

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Udvar-Hazy Center To Reopen July 24 With New Safety Measures

July 21, 2020 by The District Leave a Comment

Bei Bei

The following is a July 21, 2020 press release from the Smithsonian:

We are pleased to announce that the Smithsonian will begin reopening to the public this Friday, July 24 with entry to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Visits to both locations will require free timed passes which can be reserved online HERE or by calling 1-800-514-3849, ext. 1. 

Both locations will reopen with new health and safety measures in place to provide a safe and welcoming experience for our visitors and staff. We ask that all visitors follow these safety guidelines:

  • Face Coverings: Face coverings are required for entry and must be worn during your visit. They are required for all visitors over the age of six and highly recommended for all visitors over the age of two.
  • Social Distancing: Visitors are asked to practice social distancing while in the museum, staying at least six feet from visitors who are not a member of your party.
  • Wash Your Hands: Visitors are asked to wash their hands and use our free hand sanitizer, available throughout the museum.

You will notice increased safety measures at both locations including:

  • Signs and markers will help you follow safety guidelines and remind you to practice social distancing.
  • New hand-sanitizing stations can be found throughout the park and museum, and bathrooms are open for hand washing. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer for use during the day.
  • Bathrooms, door handles and high-touch surfaces are being cleaned more frequently. Touch exhibits and other areas where we cannot ensure social distancing are closed.
  • Some paths now have one-way traffic to support social distancing. Additionally, some indoor exhibits and narrow paths are closed.

For more information on these updates and to your reserve your free timed passes:

  • Please visit https://www.si.edu/visit/passes
  • Or call 1-800-514-3849, ext. 1.

Please note you will need to make separate reservations for each location. 

Not Ready to Visit Yet?
We are always open online, no passes required! Smithsonian experts remain committed to supporting lifelong learners of all ages. Millions of digital educational resources from Smithsonian museums, research centers, libraries, and archives are at your fingertips. Visit Your Smithsonian, Anywhere for great resources for Distance Learning, Open Access, Virtual Tours, Digital Exhibitions, Podcasts and so much more. 

The opening of the National Zoo and the Udvar-Hazy Center marks the beginning of a phased strategy for the Smithsonian. These first two locations were chosen based on factors including the ability to facilitate crowd management and social distancing, the ability to maintain a hygienic environment, and the availability of parking at both locations. 

At this time, the Smithsonian is not announcing a date to welcome the public back to its other museums. These first two facilities will provide an opportunity to learn from the visitor experience and improve new processes, with the goal of reopening our additional museums as we can do so safely. 

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Smithsonian and thank you so much for your invaluable support.


For more information on the National Zoo, click here.

For more information on the Udvar-Hazy Center, click here.

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