Today feels like a big, cautious sigh of relief. There's no denying that Tacoma has missed its Museum District over the last few months during the COVID-related restrictions. Having so many major museums in such a condensed area creates an energy level that's easy to take for granted, and it echoes when the doors are closed.
Good news! Not only have the six major museums of Tacoma's Museum District announced their reopening dates and hours (see below), they've unveiled the new and new-to-you exhibitions that will be waiting.
In addition, Governor Inslee announced this afternoon that Pierce County (and all other Washington counties) are moving to Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington Plan, effective March 22. That means 50% capacity (or 400 people, whichever is less) is allowed at restaurants, museums, movie theaters, gyms, and all other indoor spaces. It also means the return of in-person spectators at events for the first time in a year. For outdoor venues, 25% capacity is allowed, and social distancing and masks are required. Details are here.
All in all, if spring approaching has given you motivation to start planning some outings, this is some of the most welcome news in a long, long time.
April 2, 2021
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; and every Third Thursday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM with free admission from 3:00-8:00 PM.
Reopening Highlight: Just the Ticket! Hop aboard for a journey through the history of railroad passenger travel in Washington. Learn the how, why, when and where passengers rode the rails through the Evergreen State. And don’t miss the state’s largest public model railroad display while you’re visiting!
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, last entry at 4:30PM
Reopening highlight: Let ’Zoom’ have a different meaning as you leave the office behind and fill up on LeMay – America’s Car Museum’s high octane exhibits! Explore everything from the supercars of Steve Saleen to the 1918 Liberty Cadillac 1257X, a special car documented in the Library of Congress and featured in the National Register for Historic Vehicles! Fuel up your family fun and drive over to ACM for an adventure we’re sure will have you pushing the accelerator to keep going!
Museum of Glass (Friday, April 2 for a Members-Only Day, and open to all starting Saturday, April 3, 2021)
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Reopening Highlight: Museum of Glass is excited to welcome the Hot Shop Team back to the Cone, and reopen with two new exhibitions, Counterparts: Glass + Art Elements and René Lalique: Art Deco Gems from the Steven and Roslyn Shulman Collection. Details on Family Days, select educational opportunities, and the Museum Store will be available on the MOG website.
April 12, 2021
Hours: Limited daily sessions by reservation only. For more information about hours and how to make a reservation, see
https://playtacoma.org.
Reopening Highlight: The downtown Children’s Museum of Tacoma will reopen with a fantastical new climber that allows for big body movement and inspires imaginative play! Also announcing the grand opening of the Children’s Museum at Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Saturday, April 24, 2021.
April 16, 2021
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
June 3, 2021
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, and every Third Thursday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM with free admission from 4:00-8:00 PM.
Reopening Highlight: Private tours available of our brand new Heritage Boat Shop, plus explore our newly refreshed Rails to Sails exhibit.
