Mystic Seaport plans partial reopening May 23.

Venue was asked by Lamont to show how outdoor museum would operate

Mystic — Two of the state’s largest tourist attractions are developing plans in response to Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive order that outdoor museums and zoos can reopen May 20 with social distancing restrictions.

Mystic Seaport Museum tentatively plans to reopen its grounds but not its indoor exhibits on May 23, while Mystic Aquarium has not yet announced a reopening date. Both have been closed since midMarch, and laid off many employees, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seaport spokesman Dan McFadden

said the museum prepared a plan for its reopening at Lamont’s request to show how an outdoor museum would operate. He said the museum is waiting for further direction from the governor’s office and hopes the downward trend in infection rates and hospitalizations continues.

“Things are extremely fluid. We’re not going to open unless we can have as safe an environment as possible,” McFadden said.

He said the museum initially will operate much like a park, allowing visitors to stroll the grounds. The Mayflower II, whose restoration is complete, remains at the museum.

Buildings and indoor exhibits will not be open and outdoor demonstrations will not take place until the museum can stage them safely. “We’ll do as much as we can do safely,” McFadden said.

He declined comment on what the cost of admission will be when the museum reopens.

Aquarium spokeswoman Dale Wolbrink said the aquarium is working on a reopening plan and will announce the date once one is set. The facility has outdoor exhibits with beluga whales, seals, sea lions and penguins but much of its collection is indoors.

“Mystic Aquarium is working diligently to implement protocols to ensure the health and safety of our staff, guests and animals with the goal of opening as soon as it is safe to do so and in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order,” she said.