The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, home of the Gettysburg Cyclorama and the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, will reopen its doors to the public on Thursday, June 25.
The Museum & Visitor Center has been closed since March 17, to comply with state and health mandates to lessen the spread of COVID-19. Per state and public health directions, the Museum & Visitor Center will follow a phased plan with reduced building capacity and a focus on visitor safety.
Beginning June 25, the building will be open five days a week—Thursdays through Mondays (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Building capacity will be limited to less than 50 percent at a time. The programming in the Museum & Visitor Center is available using timed ticketing. Access to the film “A New Birth of Freedom” and the Gettysburg Cyclorama painting will be limited to 48 people per show to allow for social distancing. In addition, throughout the museum galleries, some of the films and all touch screen exhibits will be unavailable during this initial phase.
“We are ready to reopen, and thanks to much careful preparation, we can do so confidently,” said Gettysburg Foundation President and CEO, Matthew Moen, Ph.D. “We are excited to welcome visitors back to Gettysburg.”
Prior to visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets at GettysburgFoundation.org and read more about reopening protocols. To assist with contactless payment, visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance either online at GettysburgFoundation.org or via phone at 877-874-2478. Visitors wishing to book a guided tour may do so in advance. Guided tours are point-to-point, caravan-style in accordance with CDC mandates.
For the health and safety of all, individuals who enter the building should wear a face covering. Face coverings are not required for children under the age of 2 or for those with medical issues.
Additional protocols to protect visitors and staff include the following:
- The Museum & Visitor Center will maintain a rigorous cleaning schedule and frequently disinfect high touch areas like door handles.
- Visitors and staff will enter and exit through designated doors to ensure social distancing.
- Social distancing will be practiced throughout the Museum & Visitor Center.
- The Gettysburg Foundation and National Park Service staff have access to masks, and staff who engage with the visiting public will wear masks.
- Plexiglass shields have been installed at the National Park Service Information Desk, the ticket counter, and at podiums in the ticketed areas throughout the building.
- Hand sanitation stations are available for visitors and staff.