National Civil Rights Museum to reopen on July 1
The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel will once again open its doors to visitors. Following a threemonth closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, museum officials confirm that operations will resume on July 1, with “social distancing and capacity guidelines provided by health officials.”
The museum originally announced a planned June 25 reopening, but pushed the date back after consulting with Shelby County health officials.
According to a release from the museum, it will follow City of Memphis’ Phase III Reopening Plan, and “initially will maintain 30 percent capacity, with a maximum flow of 25 guests every 20 minutes. Enclosed areas like restrooms and elevators have a maximum of three people at a time.”
At least through August, the museum plans on limiting its guided tours. Guest services and museum overviews will be staged outdoors in the museum courtyard (weather permitting). Staff also will be strategically placed within exhibits for gallery tours and to assists visitors. Hand-held receivers on listening posts will be disabled, but content can be heard via speakers.
Staff and guests will be also required to wear face masks inside the museum. Masks will be provided for guests who arrive without them. Hand sanitizer dispensers will be made available throughout the facility and all high touch areas will be sanitized regularly.
In addition the staff will undergo daily temperature checks, while “signage and floor markings will help visitors maintain social distancing six feet apart.”
“The National Civil Rights Museum experience will remain world class,” said museum president Terri Lee Freeman. “And given the nation’s current realization that racism is alive and well, a walk through history has more relevance than ever.”
Museum hours have been adjusted to Monday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free admission for Tennessee residents from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. From Wednesday through Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum will be closed on Tuesdays and temporarily on Sundays.
Tickets at civilrightsmuseum.org.