National Museum of the Great Lakes is Open – June 10, 2020

The National Museum of the Great Lakes will re-open its doors to members and visitors beginning Wednesday, June 10 after receiving Governor DeWine’s announcement late Thursday afternoon (June 4) stating museums and other entertainment facilities could re-open with certain health and safety restrictions in place. 

“We have been preparing for our re-opening for some time,” says the museum’s Executive Director Chris Gillcrist. “We take the health and well being of every visitor and staff member seriously and, since shutting our doors, have been preparing to re-open and provide the very best museum experience possible with health and safety front and center.”

When reopened, the National Museum of the Great Lakes will adhere to the recommendations of the Governor’s task force which will include actions such as:

  • Timed, entry tickets pre-purchased online to reduce crowding. Click here to purchase.
  • Opening 1 hour early (at 9 a.m.) on Wednesdays for vulnerable populations,
    starting June 17
  • Expansive use of signage to encourage social distancing among guests
  • Aggressive staff cleaning schedules prioritizing museum and boat sanitization
  • Installation of personal sanitizing stations
  • Temporary closure of a few interactive exhibits unable to meet sanitizing requirements
  • Required face coverings and daily health screening assessments for all museum staff
  • Simplified check out procedures to reduce personal interaction

By initiating an aggressive plan to ensure the safety of guests and staff, the National Museum of the Great Lakes hopes residents throughout the Toledo metropolitan area and further will continue to visit the museum with both excitement and firm confidence their safety is a priority. As new rules, regulations and suggested precautions are announced, the museum plans to remain flexible and adaptive. For individuals unable to visit, the museum will continue to offer virtual opportunities via their History From Home initiative at nmgl.org/virtual-content.

For more information on our health and safety procedures visit our FAQ page at nmgl.org.