WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and National Aviation Hall of Fame will officially reopen to the public July 1 following a temporary closure.
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Guidelines have been developed for reopening and cleaning procedures have been enhanced throughout the museum for the health and safety of visitors and the museum family.
Disinfection of high traffic areas and surfaces will be increased and hand sanitizer stations are now available in each gallery. New directional signage is also in place.
Plexiglass sneeze guards have been installed at all of the cashier stations in the Valkyrie Café, Museum Store, Air Force Museum Theatre, and simulator rides.
All visitors will now be directed to enter the museum through a new entrance and visitors aged three and up will be required to wear masks.
Throughout the initial reopening phase, most galleries and exhibits will be available to visitors for self-touring, and all visitors should maintain six feet of separation between each visiting party at all times.
Daily guided tours will not be available at this time and those wishing to lead a large group for self-touring must contact the museum in advance to determine if this is feasible.
Some exhibits will be temporarily closed, including:
- All walk-through aircraft
- Sit-in cockpits
- Space shuttle simulators
- Eighth Air Force Control Tower and Nissen Hut
- Interactive exhibits may be modified or removed
- Playground
The Valkyrie Café, Museum Store, Air Force Museum Theatre and simulator rides will operate with new restrictions and will only accept credit cards
One film will be shown at 11 a.m. everyday with a limited seating of 45 people per screen.
"We are thrilled to be able to reopen our doors to the public and continue our mission of sharing the Air Force and Space Force stories with those from around the world,” said National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Director Mr. David Tillotson in a release.
“Although some may be hesitant to visit at first, we have heard from others who are ready to plan a visit for the first time, as well as those longing to return to their favorite aviation destination."
Additional information on the museum’s reopening plans is available at here.
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