The Indiana History Center has become the latest public venue to set a reopening plan. The Indiana Historical Society will reopen its facility on the Downtown Canal on Tuesday, July 7, although with limited capacity to conform to existing health and safety measures.
Members will need to reserve complimentary tickets online before arriving at the History Center. Advance ticketing options will be available soon. Visitors are being asked to:
- Perform a health self-assessment to confirm you are not experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms.
- Provide and wear a cloth face covering or mask. (All staff and guests, except those under age 2.)
- Practice social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet of space throughout the building.
Additional hand sanitizing stations with at least 60% alcohol, sponsored by Hotel Tango, have been added throughout the building. In accordance with CDC guidelines, a handful of the History Center’s “experiences” will be unavailable.
The Stardust Terrace Café will be open and operated by new partner, Jonathan Byrd’s. Both indoor and outdoor seating will be available and configured for social distancing. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with plans to adjust hours in the future.
INDIANA STATE MUSEUM
The Indiana State Museum reopened on June 19 with early-morning member-only hours that first week. Going forward:
- Advanced ticket purchases are not required, although patrons can buy tickets online and save $1.
- To allow for appropriate social distancing, visitors are invited to walk through the galleries in one direction.
- Gallery capacities are being monitored closely.
- Outdoor programs are currently in the works, while existing programs are being modified to ensure visitor safety. The museum’s August-October Guide to What’s Next will be published online soon.
- High-touch spaces including Firefly Landing and R.B. Annis Naturalist’s Lab are closed.
- The Museum Store will be open and is offering double discounts for members.
- The Farmers Market Café will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu consists of soup, grab & go sandwiches, a seasonal salad and beverages. Non-cash transactions are preferred, and socially distanced seating is available indoors and outdoors on the terrace.
- The IMAX Theater is tentatively scheduled to reopen on June 26.
EITELJORG MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INDIANS AND WESTERN ART
After a Members Appreciation Week of June 20-26, the Eiteljorg Museum will reopen to the public on Saturday, June 27. Observing social distancing guidelines and with extra safety precautions, the museum and store will be open standard hours, but the café will be open only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The R.B. Annis Western Family Experience will be temporarily closed. For more information and tickets, go to eiteljorg.org.
INDIANAPOLIS ZOO
The Indianapolis Zoo reopened at partial capacity on June 19 – but only for those with timed-entry tickets obtained in advance. No re-entry is allowed.
- Everyone in the group, including children under age 2, will need a timed-entry ticket. Members must reserve a spot ahead of time for any guests included in their memberships.
- Guests are urged to take their temperatures and perform health checks on their entire party before coming to the Zoo. If a guest exhibits any flu/cold-like symptoms or has a temperature of 100.4 or above, Zoo officials request they remain at home.
- Staff will wear masks and guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks.
- All transactions at the Zoo are cashless.
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS
The Children’s Museum reopened June 24 for donor families only, with a June 29 date set to allow member, donor and Access Pass families only. A public reopening date is planned later this month. Among the rules:
- Advance tickets are required and capacity is limited. Member or donors should check their emails for a link to reserve tickets, or call 317-334-4000.
- Health and safety is the top priority. Staff has been working hard to prepare to welcome visitors back. In collaboration with an advisory council of scientists, physicians, and public health officials, new policies and procedures are in place to ensure a safe visit for families.
- Advance tickets are required for all visitors, including members and donors.
- Everyone is expected to follow social distancing requirements.
- Face masks are required for all visitors ages 2 and older (unless medically unable to wear a mask)
- Credit or debit card required for purchases in the Food Court or Museum Store.
- Patrons not feeling well are urged to stay home. Tickets can be exchanged for another day.
PHOTO ABOVE: The Indiana History Center, located at Ohio Street and the Downtown Canal.
