Empire State Building, Central Park Zoo, The Met share coronavirus reopening plans
As New York City continues to move into New York's phased reopening, more and more arts and cultural destinations have announced reopening dates.
The city is expected to enter Phase 4 on Monday, which would allow only those places that provide low-risk indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment to reopen.
Here are a few places that announced reopening plans over the next two weeks, including the Empire State Building and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Expect limited capacity, advance reservations and masks required.
Empire State Building: July 20
The Observation Deck of the Empire State Building planned to reopen on July 20 and be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m for the first few weeks via timed tickets. Tickets can be purchased at www.esbnyc.com. Initial capacity will be reduced by more than 80% to only 500 guests in the observatory's 70,000-square-foot space at a time, and well below the 25% capacity guideline set forth in Phase 4. This policy will allow for the separation of groups by more than 18 feet.
Go: For more information and to purchase tickets go to: www.esbnyc.com
Central Park Zoo, The Bronx Zoo: July 20
The Bronx Zoo, along with all the Wildlife Conservation Society properties in the city, including the Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium, will reopen to members on July 20, and to the general public on July 24. Capacity will be limited and entrance is by advanced date specific time tickets only; masks and face coverings will be required for everyone ages 3 and older. For tickets and more information go to bronxzoo.com.
New York Botanical Garden: July 28
The New York Botanical Garden will reopen the grounds of its 250-acre outdoor site to the general public on Tuesday, July 28, in a gradual process, following new safety protocols that follow CDC guidelines and state and city requirements. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the children's garden, library and the Hudson Grille remain closed and tram tours and public programs remain temporarily suspended.
Go: 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx, New York. All visitors must purchase timed tickets in advance at www.nybg.org/nybg-reopens.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Aug. 29
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, often referred to simply as "The Met," announced plans to reopen to the public beginning Saturday, Aug. 29. The museum will be open five days a week, from Thursday to Monday with enhanced safety protocols following CDC, state and city requirements. Masks are required and visitors are asked to maintain social distance. Gallery capacity is controlled and restrooms have occupancy limits. Guided tours, audio tours, lectures and other public programs are temporarily suspended. The Met Cloisters, located in Fort Tryon Park in NYC, will remain closed until September.
Go: 1000 Fifth Ave., New York. Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday; closed Tuesday and Wednesday. For information on tickets and other restrictions, visit metmuseum.org or call 212-535-7710.
Karen Croke is the Community Content editor for lohud.com and poughkeepsiejournal.com. Find my stories here and subscription offers here. Reach me at kcroke1@lohud.com.