MAY 20, 2020 UPDATE: The status of CMSM’s temporary closure, including a tentative reopen date, details regarding memberships, and more can be viewed here.
In response to the global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Museum made the decision to temporarily close to the public on March 15, 2020. The following day, Governor Walz ordered the temporary closure of restaurants, bars, and other places of public amusement, including children’s museums.
We continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and follow the guidance of government officials including the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Regular updates will be posted here on the CMSM blog, via email newsletters, and on our social media channels.
#CMSMatHome
We understand how difficult this unprecedented situation is on children and families. Many parents have been laid off from work, while others have shifted to working from home or are continued to work providing essential services to our community. Additionally, parents have taken on the additional role as teachers via a “Distancing Learning” model of education. While our building is physically closed, we are committed more than ever to fulfilling our mission to ignite the natural curiosity of every child. We hope to help make this situation easier for children and families by providing fun and interactive activities kids can do right at home. Museum Educators have developed these activities with your little ones in mind. New activities are shared daily on Facebook, Instagram, and on the CMSMatHome blog. In addition to our daily play prompts, more resources will be shared within the #CMSMatHome Facebook group.
A Note Regarding our Cleaning Procedures
The health and safety of our visitors and staff is our top priority. The Museum has always had an extremely robust cleaning procedure in place. These procedures have been updated in response to COVID-19 to increase the frequency and intensity of cleaning within our facility:
- Increased disinfecting of Museum spaces
- Special attention to high traffic areas such as door handles, drinking fountains, restrooms, railings, and other areas.
- Hand sanitizer stations placed throughout the Museum for guests and staff.
- Additional signage throughout encouraging proper hygiene and increase hand washing/sanitizing.
- Encouraging sick visitors to attend the Museum on another day when they are feeling better.
- Requiring sick staff to stay home until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
- More extensive deep cleaning procedures preformed after hours.
Tips to Stay Healthy
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face
- Limit handshakes, hugs and unnecessary touching
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your bent elbow
- If you are feeling unwell, stay home
Thank You
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding during this evolving situation. We want our members and visitors to know just how much we miss them, and we look forward to reopening as soon as it is deemed safe to do so! We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Because we have closed our doors temporarily for the safety of our guests, we must forgo much needed revenue. As a small nonprofit organization, this has a significant impact. Please consider helping us get through this very difficult time with a donation today.
