Here's when Alberta's biggest museums are planning to reopen

Note: While local parks, shops, and events are beginning to reopen, Alberta Health Services is reminding individuals to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. If you decide to go out, maintain the six-feet physical distancing guidelines.

Alberta is slowly, but surely, opening back up.

Premier Jason Kenney made the announcement that Stage 1 of the province’s Relaunch Strategy would be going forward as of Thursday for most of the province, and the provincial government has followed up with a release concerning two of Alberta’s most popular museums.

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While museums are part of the Stage 1 relaunch and are technically allowed to open as of today, it’ll still be a few days before you can go wander the halls of the Royal Alberta Museum or the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

The former is planning for a reopening on May 16, while the latter will open its doors after a two-month hiatus on May 22.

“We know Albertans are craving those regular activities, like going out to museums, and we understand how important it is for people to safely get back to their everyday lives,” said Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women Leela Sharon Aheer in the release.

“We are excited that this can be a part of the transition for Albertans. Our museums are following cleaning guidelines and capacity limits, as well as informing visitors how they can participate so we can make this a successful relaunch.”

These museums will be relaunching with a pre-booked, timed ticket model to ensure that visitors arrive at staggered times, which will help meet new reduced capacity limitations.

Tickets will be offered at a 20% discount on opening weekend and weekdays to reflect the changes to the visitor experience that are necessary to ensure public health measures are followed.

Both will be operating at reduced hours, and physical distancing measures will be in place to ensure the safety of all.

Here’s a list of guidelines for Albertans hoping to visit a museum sometime soon:

Do not visit the Royal Alberta Museum or Royal Tyrrell Museum if you are exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19 or feeling unwell.
Continue to follow the alberta.ca/COVID19 guidelines regarding handwashing, physical distancing and good hygiene.
Visitors are encouraged to wear non-medical masks when out in public places where keeping a distance of two metres is difficult.
Make use of the hand sanitizer stations and handwashing facilities located throughout the museum.
Look, but don’t touch.
Be patient — please don’t crowd around exhibits. Practise physical distancing guidelines and wait your turn.
Follow all posted directional or instructional signage.

Tickets can be purchased online at the Royal Alberta Museum’s website or the Royal Tyrrell Museum’s website.