As coronavirus cases raise, museums reopen their doors

MILWAUKEE – Some museums in Milwaukee have opened their doors again as coronavirus cases wane and vaccinations roll out.

The Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum and Harley Davidson Museum all opened this past weekend for the first time this year. Discovery World plans to open later this month.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the museums opened after careful planning and co-ordination with the city health department.

Milwaukee Public Museum President Ellen Censky says the goal is that once the doors are open, they stay open.

That means adopting similar safety protocols. Each museum requires guests to wear masks and has created a one-way path to regulate the flow of foot traffic and keep people physically distanced.

Tickets must be purchased in advance online, and while the museums can go up to 25% capacity, they are staying below that limit while they learn how their protocols hold up.

The art museum was open for a few months last summer and fall. Public relations manager Josh Depenbrok said he feels more confident that this time, it’s for good. He cited the vaccines, dropping case numbers and warmer weather that allows people to get outside.