COVID-19 Museum Information
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Update: Beginning Monday 2 August, in accordance with CDC and DoD guidance, and in response to rising levels in community transmissions of COVID-19, all visitors over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. The National Museum of the Marine Corps is doing its part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and we ask our visitors to do the same.
Despite these measures, the risk of contracting COVID-19 could increase by visiting the Museum. By visiting the National Museum of the Marine Corps, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. The Museum reserves the right to modify its hours of operations, capacity, or visitor guidelines as circumstances require and to deny entry or access to any person who fails to follow these guidelines or whose conduct puts Museum staff, visitors, or property at risk. Visitor Experience
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Museum doing to make my visit safe?
Our amazing housekeeping staff is always dedicated to ensuring the Museum sparkles, but they are paying particular attention to high-touch areas such as railings, elevator buttons, and door handles, which are cleaned repeatedly throughout the day. They use an EPA-approved cleaning solution that is both a virucide and bactericide. Some interactive exhibits have been disabled. Visitors will find many hand sanitizer stations throughout the Museum. Our water fountains have been turned off. However,
visitors are allowed to bring in an unopened, clear bottle of water, no larger than 20 oz. Visitors will be reminded often to maintain a safe social distance from those not part of their group or household.
visitors are allowed to bring in an unopened, clear bottle of water, no larger than 20 oz. Visitors will be reminded often to maintain a safe social distance from those not part of their group or household.
Do I need to wear a face covering?
Beginning 2 August 2021, in accordance with CDC and DoD guidance, and in response to rising levels in community transmissions of COVID-19, all visitors over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings should fit properly, covering the nose, mouth, and chin with no large gaps on the outside of the face, and they should have at least two layers.
wHAT ARE THE MUSEUM HOURS?
The Museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Christmas day, when the Museum is closed. If any changes to hours need to be made, we will post it on our web site and on all our social media platforms.
How many people will be allowed in the Museum at one time?
Our maximum capacity will be set to ensure the safety of all visitors, staff, and volunteers. Traffic flow will be monitored at all times by Museum staff and volunteers.
Why are you limiting how many people may come in?
We are limiting the number of visitors so we can ensure that safe social distancing is maintained throughout your visit. This is for everyone’s safety. When we reach our safe capacity, visitors will be required to wait until others exit. We encourage you to explore Semper Fidelis Memorial Park while waiting to enter.
This is a taxpayer funded federal museum. Why are you limiting access?
We are limiting the number of visitors so we can ensure safe social distancing is maintained throughout your visit. This is for everyone’s safety.
I am a Marine (veteran, widow of, etc.). I should be able to come in whenever I want.
We greatly respect and appreciate your service and we want you to think of this as “your Museum.” However, we also want to protect you and all those who come to learn more about the sacrifices made by our service members. This is another reason why we have to limit the number of people who enter.
What can I do to help keep the Museum safe for all visitors?
You must wear face covering to protect our staff, volunteers and visitors. We ask that you keep six feet between yourself and anyone outside your group. Please do not visit if you are sick or have had contact with someone who is sick. Wash your hands often, for a minimum of 20 seconds. Cover your cough or sneeze. Use the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the Museum. Limit the amount of personal belongings and bags that you bring to the Museum. We do not offer coat or bag storage.
How do I know your staff and volunteers aren’t sick?
We have many protocols and requirements in place for all staff and volunteers. All staff and volunteers are required to promptly report any COVID-19 symptoms or positive tests for themselves and their dependents. If any employee or volunteer tests positive, the USMC has dedicated medical staff to conduct contact tracing to prevent the spread of the virus.
You have a lot of hands-on activities and touch screens; will these all be closed?
Some of the interactive exhibits are temporarily disabled. There are plenty of staff and volunteers available to help answer any questions. The Children’s Gallery will be closed until further notice.
How will the Museum ensure there is social distancing?
Social distancing will be enforced throughout the museum by staff and volunteers who will be monitoring galleries for crowding, and reminding visitors to keep a six-foot distance. If a gallery or exhibit area is crowded, consider moving on and returning later.
My group would like to visit, how do I make those reservations?
All groups of 25 or more people, or those arriving by bus or motor coach, must have a reservation to enter. Please visit our Group Visit Information page and follow the directions to make a reservation.
When will you resume ceremonies, events, and programming?
Events such as family days, pre-school playdates, and concerts are resuming as conditions allow. We will announce upcoming events and programs on our Calendar of Events page and all our social media platforms. If you would like to get updates from us regarding events and programs, please subscribe to our e-newsletter.
Is the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park open?
The Park is open. Small ceremonies may be held in the park as long as safe social distancing is practiced. Small ceremonies are first come, first serve; no need to schedule. We hope you will enjoy the great outdoors while learning about Marine Corps history through the monuments along the trails. Please remember to practice safe social distancing.
What other changes have you made?
Currently we are only allowing ceremonies for 75 or fewer people inside the Museum. Our visitor information desk is enclosed in clear Plexiglas to keep our volunteers safe. Leading up to the visitor information desk is a long runner with yellow footprints to remind our visitors of the need to maintain a six-foot distance from others. Additional precautions will be implemented as needed.
How do I get a map of the galleries?
We no longer hand out any materials. Please check our web site to download a map. You may also scan the QR code available at the visitor information desk to download a map to your phone.
What if I am sick?
If you have a fever, are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed to anyone else with symptoms within a two-week period prior to your visit, please visit at a later date. If you experience any symptoms within two weeks of your museum visit, let us know by emailing info@usmcmuseum.com.
WHAT IF I BECOME SICK WHILE VISITING?
If you begin to feel unwell during your visit to the Museum, notify one of our employees, volunteers, or security guards immediately. They will assist you and call for an ambulance if needed.
IS WATER AVAILABLE AT THE MUSEUM?
For health and safety reasons, the water fountains have been turned off and will not be accessible to museum visitors for the foreseeable future. Visitors may bring unopened, clear water bottles no larger than 20 oz. Food, including any type of snacks, is prohibited inside the Museum. Tun Tavern will be open. We are working on opening Devil Dog Diner and will post updates on our web site.
CAN VISITORS CHECK PERSONAL ITEMS
Visitors should plan to carry personal items with them. To minimize contact, we will not check coats, bags, and other personal items. Handbags larger than 14" wide x 12" high x 6" wide, briefcases, backpacks, large camera bags, and weapons are not allowed in the Museum.
ARE WHEELCHAIRS AVAILABLE FOR VISITORS
Wheelchairs are available and are wiped down after each use. Please see a volunteer at our visitor information desk to request a wheelchair. Visit our Accessibility page for more information.
Are the restaurants and museum store open?
Tun Tavern and the Museum store are open every day. Devil Dog Diner is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am - 4 pm.
See our Museum Concessions page for more information.
See our Museum Concessions page for more information.
do you have any special exhibits on display?
The Museum has exhibits that were installed just before the temporary closure. The new show in the Combat Art Gallery on the second deck is, “In the Highest Tradition–WWII Medal of Honor Art: Paintings by Col Charles H. Waterhouse, USMCR (Ret).” Our WWII Gallery has a new exhibit about the Navajo Code Talkers. Finally, we opened the continuation of Legacy Walk. For more information, please see our Exhibits page.
I can’t visit the museum right now. Are there virtual ways to visit the Museum?
There are other ways to visit the Museum virtually and take advantage of our educational programming. Our YouTube channel has a great selection of walking tours of the galleries. There’s also an abundance of educational content available on the Education Resources page. Additionally, check out our Google Arts and Culture page to view online exhibits.
Why Should I visit the museum?
The National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC) presents history as seen through the eyes of Marines. Spanning the country’s history from our birth in 1775 through the end of the Vietnam War, the Museum traces the path of our nation in turmoil and growth, showcasing the legacy of Marines’ sacrifices during conflict and service in humanitarian efforts. With unique artifacts like the flag flown upon Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, a Revolutionary War powder horn, and aircraft that helped turn the tide of war, NMMC has something for everyone. In the coming years, NMMC will open galleries covering the years from 1976 through the Global War on Terror. These new galleries will take visitors to Somalia, Beirut, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, humanitarian efforts around the globe, the tragic events of 9/11, and into Iraq and Afghanistan. Stories in the galleries explore the role of the Marine family, the price of freedom, and even Marines who are also professional athletes. To find out more about the Museum read our Mission Statement and check out our Exhibits.
What's going on with final phase construction?
We're making headway on the new galleries, which cover Marine Corps history from 1976 through Iraq and Afghanistan. Construction has wrapped up and exhibit fabrication has begun. We don't expect the galleries to open for several more years but visitors can watch the progress from the second floor overlook into the galleries. Please keep in mind that this area may occasionally be closed to visitors for safety reasons.
