Press release from Asheville Museum Of Science:
The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) is continuing its phased safety and operations reopening plan by welcoming members today, Wednesday, September 9th.
As part of NC Phase 2.5, AMOS will be open for museum members only on weekdays and on Saturdays & Sundays to both members and the public. The museum will be closed on Tuesdays. The Museum Science Shop will remain open normal business hours to all visitors.
AMOS will begin at 30% capacity and include staggered entry times that can be scheduled on the website (www.ashevillescience.org). Health and safety procedures and protocols related to COVID-19 have been implemented and NCDHHS and CDC guidelines are being followed to provide a safer experience for guests, staff, and volunteers. These protocols include intensified cleaning, health and hygiene best practices, and social distancing efforts. Members and guests will be required to wear face coverings, adhere to social distancing guidelines, and wash/sanitize their hands frequently. Guests will also notice additional cleaning and sanitation procedures including rolling exhibit closures for cleaning throughout the day.
As part of the phased opening plan and to supersede health and safety guidelines not all exhibits will be open. The following exhibits will open to start: Colburn Hall of Gems & Minerals, French Broad River Table, NCMC Nano Exhibit, Paleontology (touch-free only), the Space Exploration Panorama, and the Southern Appalachian Forest Tree Climb. Additional exhibits and hours will be added as AMOS transitions and test its operation plans.
“AMOS has worked creatively in partnership with the community to provide expert science education while closed due to state and local guidance,” said Amanda Bryant, Executive Director. “Our virtual field trips, Daily Dose of Science, Science Lecture series, and Science Camp in a Box have been successful and allowed us to serve our mission and our communities needs in unique and innovative ways. Our virtual learning opportunities will continue and are allowing us to bring the museum farther than ever before, but they do not replace the level of engagement and sparks of curiosity that happen in a museum environment. Our goal is to remain innovative and agile as we begin to welcome guests inside the museum while continuing to merge and make room for both in person and virtual experiences.”
While being closed for six months, the AMOS team has been working to continue to provide fun science learning digitally, to update its exhibits with new touchless features, and to expand the gem and mineral collection. That same team has been working to create new, safe experiences inside the Museum and looks forward to welcoming members and guests.
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