Museum of the Bible will reopen to visitors Monday, June 22. One of the largest museums in Washington, D.C., Museum of the Bible will open nearly all of its permanent exhibits across six floors.
Museum restaurants and some attractions, such as theaters, will open with restrictions. Interactive and virtual reality experiences, which require guests to use goggles, will remain closed.
“We have missed our guests and have worked hard to prepare the museum for their return,” said Harry Hargrave, CEO of Museum of the Bible. “We are looking forward to offering our guests engaging new experiences this summer.”
Upon reopening, the museum will show appreciation for America’s healthcare professionals’ service during the pandemic by offering them free admission with employee ID.
“This Covid-19 season has been incredibly difficult for so many people,” said Hargrave. “We consider it a privilege to give back to those who’ve sacrificed to keep America healthy.”
As the region shifts to a post-lockdown reality, the museum will reopen while highlighting the relationship between Scripture and healing. In early July, the Museum will spotlight Corrie ten Boom, who helped hide Jews during the Holocaust before being imprisoned herself in the Ravensbrück concentration camp. The display will feature the Bible that ten Boom received from Billy Graham as well as her release papers from Ravensbrück.
In compliance with guidelines from the Office of the Mayor, the museum will open at limited capacity. All museum employees will be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), and plexiglass panels will be installed at all ticket counters, the admission desk, the Milk+Honey Café, Manna restaurant and the gift shop. Museum of the Bible has enhanced sanitizing procedures and marked a clear flow path for visitors to adhere to social distancing requirements as they move throughout the museum.
The museum will continue to offer visitors virtual engagement opportunities, including:
Lonesome Curator
This video series provides a behind-the-scenes look at what the curators are up to while the museum is closed and highlights one of the museum’s unique artifacts, exhibits or historical figures.
Words of Hope Campaign
In this time of uncertainty, the museum’s Words of Hope Campaign invites virtual visitors to share encouraging Scripture verses creatively via social media.
Storytime for Kids
Every Tuesday at 1 p.m. EST, the museum hosts Storytime for Kids on Facebook Live to share Bible stories — complete with a costumed Living History Interpreter — with young children.
Book Minute
Visitors can sign up for a daily Book Minute email, which includes a one-minute video that discusses the history, narrative and impact of the Bible in an engaging and informative way.
Museum of the Bible Podcast
The museum hosts a podcast once a week in which guest speakers and scholars discuss varied topics relating to the history and impact of the Bible.
More information on Museum of the Bible is available here.