Greensboro Science Center reopens after 93-day closure

The Greensboro Science Center reopened last week after closing 93 days before because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Open for the first two days for museum members on June 15 and June 16, it extended admission to the general public on June 17. The sprawling museum in Greensboro features three attractions — an aquarium and museum, both indoors, and an outdoor zoo.

The reopening comes with some big changes. "Your visit here at the Greensboro Science Center is going to look very different for a while, starting from before you even arrive," according to a video about new safety measures.

Admission will be limited, and time slot reservations are required. Reservations can be made on the science center's website.

Groups can be no bigger than 10 individuals, and guests are required to maintain a distance of at least six-feet away from other visitors. Guests will walk along a one-way path that takes them from the aquarium to the museum to the zoo. Some high-touch areas, including the sting ray touch pool and theaters, will be closed. And food will be available onsite, but only for grab-and-go dining. The science center has picnic tables that visitors can use.

Guests also are "strongly encouraged" to wear a face mask during their visit, just as museum staff will do.

Because tickets are required to be purchased online, the museum won't be able to extend special discounts, including reciprocal agreements with other museums and science centers.

More information is on the Greensboro Science Center's website. Greensboro is just over an hour from the Triangle.

The science center's reopening could provide some insights into how local museums in the Triangle may potentially reopen in the coming weeks.