Families in search of amusement and educational opportunities welcome the opening of local museums and galleries.

Following Governor Cooper’s announcement of Phase 2.5 in the state’s reopening plan, the North Carolina Museum of Art welcomed visitors back to the museum galleries last week. On Wednesday, Sept. 16, Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh will reopen to the general public.

“Our top priority is keeping visitors and staff safe through expanded measures that encourage social distancing and follow state safety guidelines,” said Valerie Hillings, NCMA director. 

The NCMA opened Sept. 9, with updated hours, required free timed tickets to encourage social distancing, and increased health and safety procedures including required cloth masks.

New Museum gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Visitors must reserve a free timed ticket to access the Museum collection. Visitors can reserve free timed tickets at visit ncartmuseum.org for a no-touch entry experience. 

Special exhibitions “Good as Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women” and “Leonardo Drew: Making Chaos Legible” are open, along with “Christopher Holt: Contemporary Frescoes/Faith and Community” and “Front Burner: Highlights in Contemporary North Carolina Painting.” Tickets for special exhibitions are $18 and are available at ncartmuseum.org/summer2020.

Mask-wearing visitors tour the North Carolina Museum of Art on Sept. 9.

Marbles Kids Museum

“Team Marbles can’t wait to hear the sounds of children playing joyfully in the museum once again,” said Sally Edwards, Marbles CEO. “We are very pleased that Phase 2.5 of the state’s reopening plan recognized the cultural and educational value of museums and put in place guidelines for us to safely welcome back the children and families we serve.”

The museum’s new hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with member-only access on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9-10 a.m. Marbles will offer Terminix “Play Late for Less” afternoons on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with reduced admission from 3-5 p.m. 

To limit capacity and ensure safe and socially distant play, all members and guests will be required to reserve a timed entry ticket online prior to museum admission. Everyone age 5 and older will be required to wear a CDC-approved face covering. More details about Marbles’ reopening and visitor requirements are available at MarblesKidsMuseum.org.