UPDATED: List of Philly area museums and attractions that have reopened
Open or closed? These are the museums, galleries and attractions that have reopened in the Philadelphia area, and what they're doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
![The Franklin Institute is reopened for all families and visitors to explore the museum and see the special wax figure exhibit of The Presidents and historical figures by Madame Tussauds on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The museum has had significant safety measures in place such as hand sanitizer stations and disinfecting wipes, plexiglass barriers and marked spots for social distancing.](https://www.inquirer.com/resizer/BKLXiogbJ46Oh_d9rteAsJV32qY=/760x507/smart/filters:format(webp)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/pmn/GUGOPEQJ4BDNRNJFM2RUKLSVNI.jpg)
Many of the region’s museums and attractions are now reopened. Some state and city coronavirus restrictions have been lifted, including those that temporarily closed museums.
You can now enter a giant beating heart at the Franklin Institute, walk through a rainbow of blooms at Longwood Gardens, explore history at the Museum of the American Revolution, and more.
Visitor capacity is limited, and many locations require you to purchase tickets in advance. When you arrive, you must wear a mask (age cutoffs vary) and practice social distancing. New health and safety protocols are in place. Check each attraction’s website for specifics.
» READ MORE: How to summer in Philly: Our 2020 summer guide
What’s open in the Philly region now?
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Know before you go: Independence Hall is open by tour. Visitors (up to nine at a time) will be admitted every 15 minutes. No tickets are necessary. Entrance to the Liberty Bell Center is on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are necessary and up to 20 people are allowed inside at a time. Find more information at nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/phasedreopening.htm.
Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Know before you go: You must purchase tickets in advance online. Masks (ages 3 and up) and no-touch temperature checks are required. Find more information at fi.edu/health-safety-information.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Monday
Know before you go: You’re encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online or over the phone. Walk-up tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets are timed. Masks are required for visitors ages 3 and up. Find more information at brandywine.org/museum/reopening/timed-ticketing-faqs.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily (through Jan. 17); 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday (Jan. 18-March 25)
Know before you go: You must purchase tickets in advance online or by phone. (Members must make reservations in advance, too.) Masks are required for visitors ages 2 and up, unless you’re outside and able to maintain six feet of distance from others. Find more information at longwoodgardens.org/visit/visiting-guidelines.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Know before you go: You must purchase tickets in advance online. Masks are required for visitors ages 2 and up. Some areas are closed, including the visitor center, log cabin, fernery, and café. Find more information at experience.morrisarboretum.org/Info.aspx?EventID=3.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Know before you go: You must wear a mask. The gift shop is open, but the museum’s galleries are temporarily closed. Find more information at americanswedish.org/news/we-are-open-message-regarding-covid-19-and-its-impact-museum-operations.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, through Jan. 10; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Jan. 11-Feb. 28
Know before you go: Philly Mini Golf, Parx Liberty Carousel, playgrounds, and SquareBurger are open. The daily Fountain Shows will return in April. You must wear a mask while riding the carousel and playing mini golf, and you’re encouraged to wear a mask throughout the park. Find more information at historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/health-safety.
Woodmere Art Museum (reopening Jan. 9)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays
Know before you go: You must wear a mask. Tickets are not required, but purchasing a ticket in advance online is strongly encouraged. Find more information at woodmereartmuseum.org/about/coronavirus.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (through February)
Know before you go: You must wear a mask. Check in at the Visitor Center patio window when you arrive. Find more information at tylerarboretum.org/reopening.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Know before you go: You must purchase tickets in advance online or make a member reservation. Masks are required for visitors ages 3 and up. You’ll receive a temperature screening prior to entry. Areas where social distancing can’t be achieved are temporarily closed, including the 3D Theater, play areas, and animal encounters. Find more information at adventureaquarium.com/PlaySafe.
» READ MORE: The Adventure Aquarium is about to reopen. And more family fun this week
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (10 a.m. to 11 a.m. reserved for people 65 years and older and immunocompromised guests only)
Know before you go: You’re encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. All remaining available tickets will be first come, first serve. Masks are required for visitors ages 2 and up. Find more information at mercermuseum.org/welcomeback.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday (10 a.m. to 11 a.m. reserved for members only)
Know before you go: You must wear a mask. Tickets can be purchased in advance online. Contactless payment is available and encouraged throughout the building. Find more information at barnesfoundation.org/plan-your-visit-new/safety-guidelines.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Know before you go: You’re encouraged to purchase tickets online or by phone. All tickets are timed, and walk-up tickets will be available if time slots remain. Each ticket gives you a two-hour window to explore. Masks are required for visitors ages 2 and up. There will be no coat check. Find more information at penn.museum/alert.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday (10 a.m. to 11 a.m. is reserved for members only)
Know before you go: You’re encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. A limited number of timed tickets will be available to purchase at the door. Masks are required for visitors ages 3 and up. High-touch exhibits are closed at this time, including Outside In, Butterflies! and The Big Dig. Find more information at ansp.org/visit/visit-update.
Hours: Check calendar for hours
Know before you go: Entry is free but by timed ticket only. You can schedule a visit here. Masks are required for visitors ages 3 and up. All public spaces, including the mezzanine, terrace, and reading stations, are off limits. Find more information at icaphila.org/visit.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Know before you go: Masks are required for visitors ages 3 and up. You must reserve a timed ticket in advance online, unless you’re a yearly member. The following facilities and experiences are closed: face painting, Treetop Adventures, water fountains, butterfly train, and the bison feeding. Find more information at elmwoodparkzoo.org/safe-visit.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Monday
Know before you go: Masks are required when social distancing isn’t possible, including at the front gate and in restrooms. Indoor spaces are closed. You must reserve a ticket in advance online. Find more information at groundsforsculpture.org/visit/guidelines-faq.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
Know before you go: Masks are required. Find more information at carpentershall.org.
Museum of the American Revolution (reopening Jan. 8)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and Mondays that are holidays
Know before you go: Masks are required for visitors ages six years and up. You’re encouraged to reserve a ticket in advance online or by phone (267-579-3565). The museum’s Revolution Place discovery center and Battlefield Theater are closed. Find more information at amrevmuseum.org/reopening.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Fridays
Know before you go: Masks are required for visitors ages three and up. Temperature checks will be taken upon arrival. You’re encouraged to buy a ticket in advance online. A small number of tickets will be available for purchase at the museum each day. Find more information at philamuseum.org/visit/tips-policies.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Monday
Know before you go: Masks are required. If you want to tour the House, there’s a $5 admission fee and only self-guided tours are offered at this time. You can purchase a ticket in advance online. Find more information at historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house/brh-safety.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) (reopening Jan. 21)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Know before you go: Masks are required for visitors ages 3 and up. Temperature checks will be taken upon arrival. You’re encouraged to purchase a ticket in advance online. Any on-site purchases, including tickets at entry, must be made with credit, EBT, or debit cards only. The coat check is closed. Find more information at pafa.org/news/museum-reopening-plan-070120.
Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (reopening Jan. 15)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday
Know before you go: Masks are required for visitors ages 3 and up. You must purchase tickets in advance online. Find more information at muttermuseum.org/visit/reopening.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Know before you go: Masks are required for visitors ages 3 and up. You are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. Find more information at libertymuseum.org/visit/health-and-safety.
Temporarily closed
The Free Library of Philadelphia (returns, pickups, and phone reference are available at select neighborhood libraries around the city)
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (closed until at least April 1)
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden (closed until March 23)
Battleship New Jersey (closed until March)
Chanticleer (closed through March 31)