Jersey City’s Liberty Science Center will reopen just in time for the new school year after months of closure due to COVID-19. The museum will be open to the public on September 5-7 from 10 am to 5 pm. There will also be a special preview day for members on September 4 from 10 am to 4 pm.
Liberty Science Center President and CEO Paul Hoffman stressed the importance of reopening LSC, saying that the museum’s missions to inspire the next generation of scientists is more important now than ever. “We need to encourage kids who will grow up to cure diseases, discover distant planets, and lead us to a brighter future,” he said.
Of course, there will be an extensive list of changes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. When tickets go on sale, they will be limited to 25 percent of the center’s capacity so that guests can maintain social distancing. Digital tickets must be purchased online and will be available through the Liberty Science Center website.
Everyone entering the building will receive a temperature screening. If any member of a party has a fever above 100.3°F, the party will be asked to reschedule their visit. All guests above the age of 2 must wear a face covering. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building and new cleaning procedures will focus on high-traffic and high-touch areas.
Some exhibits, like the Touch Tunnel and Infinity Chamber, will be temporarily closed. Others will be modified to reduce contact and there will be plenty of new programs and activities designed for limited contact.
Can’t wait until September? The Liberty Science Center is offering virtual programming through July and August. LSC in the House hosts virtual science trivia and planetarium shows with different themes each week. Tune in to the Liberty Science Center Facebook page at 1 pm on Tuesdays for science trivia and 1 pm on Thursdays for planetarium shows. The next planetarium show is July 30 and themed “The Search for Aliens.” Make sure to check the LSC in the House webpage for updates and information about upcoming programs.
