The Kogod Courtyard connects the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery
Every industry is moving toward reopening at various and disparate paths. Recently, the DC municipal government laid out a path for a near restriction-free reopening of many types of venues in regards to capacity. Museums are included in the new loosening of capacity restrictions, as they are included in the same category with libraries and galleries. As of June 11, museums will no longer be required to impose capacity restrictions. That doesn't mean they aren't able to do so on their own, but the requirement to do so will be shed. Each museum will also open with their own safety procedures in an effort to keep staff and visitors safe. Mask-wearing and distancing guidelines are likely still going to be implemented regardless of the venue type.
A number of Smithsonian museums and a collection of others are opening this Friday (May 14) or next Monday. By June there will be enough museums open to make a full day or two of exploration possible again.
Please check with each individual institution for ticketing options (many will not have walk-up entry), capacity restrictions, open hours & open days, and whether the exhibition you really wanted to see is actually going to be accessible.
Here's the list of DC's major museums and galleries along with their opening status as of today!
Smithsonian Museums
Open now:
Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Center (Virginia location)
Opening very soon:
National Museum of African American History and Culture (May 14)
American Art Museum AND National Portrait Gallery (May 14)
Renwick Gallery (May 14)
National Museum of American History (May 21)
National Museum of the American Indian (May 21)
National Zoo (May 21)
Still closed for now:
National Museum of African Art, National Air and Space Museum (DC location), Anacostia Community Museum, Arts and Industries Building, Hirshhorn Museum, Freer Gallery of Art, National Museum of Natural History, National Postal Museum, Ripley Center, Sackler Gallery, and the Smithsonian Castle.
Non-Smithsonian Museums
Open now:
National Museum of Women in the Arts
National Building Museum
Planet Word
Phillips Collection
International Spy Museum
Opening very soon:
National Gallery or Art; West Building only (May 14)
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (May 17)
Still closed for now:
National Archives Museum
National Geographic Museum