New England Aquarium, Gardner Museum Announce Reopening Plans

BOSTON (AP) — More of Massachusetts' most popular cultural institutions are announcing their reopening plans.

The New England Aquarium in Boston announced Tuesday that it will reopen July 16 at 15% capacity, meaning only 240 visitors and staff will be permitted in the building at any one time.

Reservations are encouraged for timed visits, the aquarium said in a statement.

The facility will clean its high traffic areas more often, pedestrian traffic will be one way, and hand sanitization stations will be available. The touch tank will be a "view only" experience.

Visitors, of course, will be required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.

The aquarium has been preparing to reopen for months.

"We have spent a great deal of time on our reopening strategy to ensure we are creating a safe environment to fulfill our mission and an experience that people will love being a part of," Vikki Spruill, president and chief executive of the aquarium, said in a statement.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston plans on reopening July 15, the museum said in a statement Monday.

To celebrate, admission will be free for all on the first day of reopen, although reserved timed tickets will still be required.

Capacity will be limited and masks are required.

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