UNIVERSITY PARK, PA.- After an extended closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State announced that it will reopen its doors on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. The freeadmission museum has instituted a new timed-ticketing system and updated health protocols to ensure the safety of all visitors.

“We are thrilled to finally reopen our doors to the public and to do so by placing the welfare and safety of our visitors as our top priority,” said Erin M. Coe, Director of the Palmer Museum of Art. “Even with the COVID-19 restrictions in place, we are confident visitors will enjoy a self-guided tour of our permanent collection and special exhibitions.”

Starting on February 10, visitors to the Palmer Museum must reserve a free timed entry ticket online via the museum’s website (palmermuseum.psu.edu) prior to arriving at the museum. Once inside, museum-goers will be assisted by new Visitor Services associates who will answer questions and help guests make the most of their visit to the Palmer. Capacity in the building will be limited to thirty people. To reduce gathering and lines, there will be two reservation slots available for up to fifteen visitors each hour for an hour-long stay in the galleries. No public tours will be offered until further notice.

The timed-ticketing entry will be contactless. Upon entering, visitors will check in by tapping their phone on the pedestal at the Visitor Services desk before proceeding through the museum to the galleries or the museum store. Visitors without advance reservations must check in at the front desk to request a timed-entry ticket.

All visitors will be asked to comply with Penn State and the Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines intended to keep everyone safe and limit risk during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors must wear masks or face coverings, maintain a six-foot distance between other patrons, and are encouraged to sanitize their hands at stations that will be located throughout the museum. Staff will be sanitizing high-touch common areas throughout the day.

The Palmer has also modified its public hours for the duration of the pandemic. Starting on February 10, the museum will be open to the public on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The last timed ticket will be processed at 4:15 p.m. The museum will be closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday.

There are many reasons to return to the Palmer, including the outstanding and ever-expanding permanent collection and new exhibitions for 2021. For those not yet ready to visit the museum in person, the museum will continue offering its full slate of engaging virtual programs and events for the duration of the spring semester. Plans for the spring include an array of educational content and online offerings for the Penn State community, and K-12 teachers and students, as well as for families, children, and adults from the greater community.

For information and updates on all reopening procedures or programs, please check the museum website at palmermuseum.psu.edu or follow the museum’s social media challenges. Frequent updates are posted on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for all programming announcements and links to digital content.