The National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden is scheduled to reopen its doors on Saturday, June 20, with limitations, it was announced.
“We are delighted to welcome you back to the National Gallery of Art! The well-being of our visitors and staff is our top priority, and we have adjusted our visitor experience to meet new health and safety guidelines,” the National Gallery said in a statement.
Among the safety guidelines of the Gallery are the requirement of wearing face coverings for all visitors aged two and up, and practicing social distancing during visits by staying at least six feet from anyone who is not in their own group, which is supposed to remain together.
Guests can only use credit or debit cards to buy food or beverages at the facility as they are not accepting cash. In addition, the Gallery’s food service operator will carry out enhanced cleanings of dining furniture.
Visitor capacity will be reduced in order to to allow social distancing, and entrance will be first come, first served.
You should note that the drinking fountains in the Sculpture Garden will be turned off, but it is permitted to bring your own bottled water. However, alcoholic beverages brought from outside are prohibited and they might be confiscated. It is also allowed to have picnics in the area.
The Sculpture Garden is located in the 6.1-acre block adjacent to the West Building. It has new plantings of native American species of canopy trees, flowering trees, shrubs, ground covers, and perennials. The fountain in its center serves as an ice rink in winter.
The Garden has six public entryways. Upon the reopening on Saturday, the entrance will only be available at 7th Street and Madison Drive NW. The East and West Buildings are currently closed to the public.
All on-site events at the Gallery are canceled through September 7, 2020.