USAF Museum to reopen

After temporarily closing on March 15 to protect the health and safety of visitors, staff and volunteers, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, along with the National Aviation Hall of Fame, will officially reopen to the public on July 1.

While the museum is excited to reopen, the top priority is the health and safety of visitors and the entire museum family. Therefore, reopening guidelines have been carefully developed following the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the State of Ohio, local health experts and peer institutions across the country.

In order to achieve the highest public health standards, cleaning procedures have been enhanced throughout the museum, including an increased frequency in the disinfecting of high-traffic areas and surfaces. Hand sanitizer stations are now available in each gallery and new directional signage is also in place. In addition, 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.

To better protect the public, all visitors will be directed to enter the museum via a new entrance to the right of the traditional entrance. Visitors ages three and up will be required to wear masks during their visit to the museum.

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. However, daily guided tours will not be available at this time. (Those wishing to lead a large group for self-touring must contact the museum in advance to determine if this is feasible.)

Exhibits that will be temporarily closed include all walk-through aircraft, sit-in cockpits, space shuttle simulators, Eighth Air Force Control Tower and Nissen Hut, and interactive exhibits may be modified or removed in the near term. The playground will also be closed, but park areas and picnic tables will remain open.

Water fountains will also no longer be available, but visitors may bring in a clear sealed water bottle (up to 20 oz.), or purchase one from the Museum Store, Valkyrie Café or Air Force Museum Theatre concession stand.

The National Aviation Hall of

Fame (NAHF), co-located at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, will also reopen on July 1. For additional information on NAHF policies, restrictions and hours of operations, please visit www.nationalaviation.org.

Additional information on the museum’s reopening plans is available at: www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Home/Reopening/. STAFF REPORT