SEATTLE — The Museum of Flight is now cleared for take-off.
The museum reopened to the public Saturday after being in a holding pattern for the last few months.
It is one of the largest air and space museums in the world.
“It’s one of our favorite places and we were excited to see that they were reopening,” said Margo Bergman.
“So the first thing I wanted to do was go to the space area,” added her son, Chase Walbourn.
Bergman and Walbourn were among the first to visit the newly reopened Museum of Flight. Doors opened to members on Thursday and Friday.
Museum President and CEO Matt Hayes said his staff has been preparing for reopening after the turbulent last few months shut down the 23-acre campus.
“We have brought back the majority of our staff. Like so many other places, this has been and will continue to be financially devastating to the organization,” Hayes explained.
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To comply with the state’s COVID-19 guidelines, capacity is limited to 25%. Tickets must be bought online with timed entry. Once inside, you’ll notice a lot of hand sanitizing stations. Masks are required for everyone two years old and up. People are asked to keep their distance. All five buildings are open, but the high touch areas are off limits.
“To the extent that people are interested and want to support their local institution, I highly, highly encourage it. Opening up is great for the public. It gets people energized but it’s not the financial solution right now,” said Hayes.
“I really missed coming here,” said member Rich Gough.
Gough couldn’t wait to return.
“We have to live. I’ve been to the grocery store dozens of times. I always wear a mask. And we have to find a way to get by somehow,” Gough added.
After what’s been a rocky ride, visitors hope it will be smooth sailing from here on out.
“Seattle did a good job of shutting down and keeping tight and now that we’re opening again, I’m really glad,” Bergman said.
The Museum will only be open Friday through Monday during the first three weeks in September. Starting Sept. 24, the Museum will be open five days a week from Thursday through Monday.
The Museum’s new exhibit, Untold Stories-World War II at 75, opens Sept 19 and is free with admission.
Cox Media Group
