The Glazer Children’s Museum is announcing today that it will reopen on June 6, with summer camps starting June 8. The museum has developed a comprehensive reopening plan that expands on ten years of experience operating as a clean, safe, and fun museum. Those principles, Clean – Safe – Fun, will continue to guide our operations as we welcome back our guests. GCM’s reopening plan was reviewed by Hillsborough County.
“We know that children need play now more than ever,” said President and CEO Sarah Cole. “Our team is excited to reopen in a safe way so we can provide much-needed respite for families in Tampa Bay. We can’t wait to see the smiling faces and hear the laughter of curious kids in the museum once again!”
We recognize the need for a measured, gradual approach to safely resuming operations. Our comprehensive plan details the steps the museum has taken to ensure the health and safety of our guests and staff, including modified operations, enhanced cleaning protocol, physical distancing, exhibit modifications, contactless interactions, PPE, and best practices in hygiene and handwashing.
A few specific examples include:
- Certain difficult-to-clean exhibits will remain closed, while all others will be disinfected frequently
- Any handheld props used in exhibits will be replaced with a clean set four times per day
- Some areas and experiences will be converted to one-way, with an entrance and exit
- Cloth masks are now considered a required part of all staff uniforms
- Adult guests are required to wear masks that cover the nose and mouth
- The museum will be closed on Mondays for deep cleaning, maintenance, and training
- Signage throughout the museum and on the floor will promote physical distancing
The museum will initially reopen to the public on June 6 at 25% capacity. To manage capacity, admission will require a timed reservation. Guests can purchase timed entry tickets online at GlazerMuseum.org starting May 28. Museum members will continue to enjoy free admission but must reserve an entry time in advance online. The week before the public opening, the museum will hold private preview days for members and essential workers by reservation only. We are constantly monitoring the evolving situation and this plan is subject to change as new guidelines are released by city, county, state, and health agencies. For the latest updates, please visit GlazerMuseum.org/cleansafefun.
“As a pillar of this community, the Glazer Children’s Museum is committed to serving the children of Tampa Bay,” said Board Chair Sandy Murman. “Children are dealing with the pressures of e-learning, family stress from isolation, and general fear. The museum is steadfast in our mission to provide a safe outlet for imagination and discovery.”
Since closing on March 16, the Glazer Children’s Museum has been continuing its mission by providing free virtual resources. Through its GCM@Home program, the team has been sending fun and educational content straight from their living rooms to yours with experiments, storytimes, recipes, and more at GlazerMuseum.org/gcmathome. And GCM’s Learn & Play Tampa Bay YouTube channel is packed with content specifically for kids under 5.
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