Fox Cities Museums Announce Reopening Plan: What You Need to Know

Art, science, and history museums in the Fox Cities inspire, connect, and teach visitors through their award-winning exhibits, interactive activities, and engaging tours. The COVID19 public health situation required local museums to temporarily close their doors to the public, and as the situation has evolved, a group of Fox Cities museums has announced a collaborative, phased reopening plan.

Here's what you need to know as you look forward to exploring and learning at these museums again soon.

The Museums
The six museums following this phased reopening plan include:

• Bergstrom Mahler Museum of Glass
• Building for Kids Children’s Museum
• History Museum at the Castle
• Hearthstone Historic House Museum
• Paper Discovery Center
• Trout Museum of Art

Core Policies
Visitors can expect these five core policies and procedures at the six noted museums:

1. Face coverings/masks will be required for all visitors and staff (3 years+) for the protection of others.
2. Registration and potential limited duration visits will be used to regulate visitor numbers and support public health efforts.
3. Distancing between household groups will be created through directed movement and some facility augmentations.
4. Handwashing and sanitizing will be required upon arrival and recommended throughout your visit.
5. Enhanced disinfecting processes will be implemented by staff between groups of visitors.

Reopening Dates
While each museum is implementing the five core policies, each museum will announce their individual phased reopening status on their website and social pages. Other service changes and museum-specific policies can also be found on their individual website and social pages.

At-Home Museum Experiences
These museums continue to offer virtual programming, at-home activities, and engaging web content as a way to connect, teach, and inspire you as visitors and guests about art, science, and history, even outside of the museum walls. BFK Children's Museum has daily virtual kids programming, and the Bergstrom Mahler Museum of Glass has their current exhibit (Form and Feeling - Expressions of Humanity) available on their website for viewing. Check museum websites and social pages for more activities and programming.

In addition to this coalition of six local museums, there are more than a dozen other history, art, and science museums in the Fox Cities to explore. Visit an individual museum's website for more information about its specific reopening status.

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Travel well with these other tips about healthfully and responsibly enjoying the Fox Cities post-COVID19 and as businesses and attractions reopen.