Installation photograph, Yoshitomo Nara, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 2020–21, art © Yoshitomo Nara, photo © Museum Associates/LACMA

A Safe Reopening: A Preview of LACMA’s Preparations

Los Angeles County has moved into the red tier according to the state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which means that LACMA and other museums throughout the County can open indoors to the public, at a restricted capacity (25%). LACMA will reopen indoor galleries to the public on April 1, 2021, in line with L.A. County guidelines for museums. Member Previews are March 26–30. Advance tickets for Member Previews will be available to reserve on LACMA's website on March 19 at 10 am PDT. Advance tickets for the general public will be available for purchase on March 25 at 10 am PDT.

A recent study by the Berlin Institute of Technology found that visiting museums is safer than any other indoor activity, with the risk of COVID-19 transmission far lower than in supermarkets, restaurants, offices, or public transportation. As reported by Hyperallergic, the study considered "the average length of stay in a given space . . . the quality of the airflow, the type of activity carried out in the space, and the dose of aerosol particles inhaled by people in the room, among other variables," finding that at 30% capacity with masks and precautions, museums are among the safest indoor spaces.

Here's a preview of new health and safety protocols and procedures we have implemented in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

• Limited capacity (25% in red tier as required by the State)
• Advance timed-entry online ticketing
• Required face mask wearing
• Mandatory online health screening and temperature check
• A touchless visitor experience (including a new touchless check in system and new sensor-based facility fixtures)
• Enhanced and more frequent cleaning and sanitizing protocols
• One-way paths through galleries, with physical distancing cues, labels, and new gallery guidelines to reduce gathering
• Hand sanitizing stations
• Health and safety protocols signage throughout campus
• All in-person events, such as talks, concerts, film screenings, and group tours suspended, with programs available virtually

Visitors will be required to follow new health and safety protocols in our reopened indoor spaces.

• All visitors, including members, must purchase or reserve advance timed-entry tickets prior to visiting. No tickets will be sold onsite.
• All visitors must complete an online health screening and pass a temperature check.
• A mask must be worn over the nose and mouth at all times, except when eating or drinking. This is required for all visitors over age 2 and all staff and volunteers.
• Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout campus and visitors are encouraged to practice safe hand sanitizing and hand washing hygiene.
• A physical distance of at least 6 feet must be maintained from others; parties of a single household may remain together and children must remain with supervising adults at all times.
• All visitors must follow traffic flow directions to enter and exit buildings and one-way traffic flow and physical distancing cues in galleries.
• To reduce gathering, new gallery guidelines have been implemented. There is limited wall text and exhibition text is now accessible on your mobile device via QR codes in the galleries.
• Oversize bags (larger than 11" x 14") are not permitted in the galleries, and bag check is currently closed. Wheelchairs are not available at this time.

We can't wait to welcome you back, masked and distanced!