Reopening!

HASTINGS, Neb., June 23, 2020 – The Hastings City Council met last night and approved the Hastings Museum’s reopening plans. Details include:

— A 10-day exclusive reopening for Museum members, with a June 30 start date.

— A reopening to the general public on July 14.

— The Nature Nook and the Planetarium will stay closed for now.

— The Museum’s Theatre will be back in action, showing exclusively large format films.

— Hollywood films will return to the Theatre at a later date.

 

Numerous changes have been incorporated into the Museum’s operation in response to the pandemic. For instance:

 

— Additional cleaning protocols have been added.

— The Museum will allow a limited number of patrons into the Theatre (50) and Museum (100) at any given time.

— Signage has been added throughout the Museum encouraging patrons to: Avoid the Museum if they are ill; Stay at least 6 feet apart; Use the hand sanitizer stations provided at the Museum; Wear a face covering; Wash their hands frequently.

— Plexi barriers have been added to counters in the Museum’s lobby.

— Guidance will be given in the Theatre to remind patrons to leave space around their group.

— Hands-on play items in the tipi, cabin, and other exhibit areas have been removed.

 

“We are so excited to welcome the community back to the Museum,” said Becky Matticks, executive director. “This is not the summer we had planned, but even with somewhat reduced hours, we couldn’t be happier to reopen our doors.”