The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh will not reopen to the public until January.

“Social distancing guidelines have had a tremendous impact on the creative, hands-on learning experiences that are a hallmark of the Children’s Museum and MuseumLab, and more recent restrictions on indoor gatherings have further impacted our ability to return to any version of normal Museum operations,” said Executive Director Jane Werner in a statement sent Monday to museum members.

While the museum is collaborating with other area arts organizations to develop standards and share plans and procedures for safe reopening, she said, it faces a particular challenge because of its large number of interactive exhibits.

Reopening plans are being developed in accordance with covid-19 safety guidelines from federal, state and local health authorities, she said.

New exhibits and updates also are in the works for the reopening of the North Side complex, including:

• “Emotions at Play With Pixar’s Inside Out”

• “The Kindness Gallery” in the former Attic space

• “Gymlacium” will be opening in MuseumLab

• Maker spaces will be updated

• The Garage is being refurbished, and there will be new experiences throughout the entire first floor

• Favorite exhibits like “Waterplay” and “The Nurse” will be retained.

Enhanced sanitizing procedures, with focus on high-touch areas, also are planned, along with increased hand sanitizer stations and Plexiglas barriers.

“Unfortunately, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to permanently separate from our furloughed staff,” Werner added. “However, as we prepare for reopening, we do plan on hiring back staff in phases as we gradually reopen.”

In the interim, the museum continues to offer experiences that can be accessed remotely, said marketing director Bill Schlageter. These include Virtual Summer Camps, Museum at Home activities and Virtual Educator Professional Development.

“We’re doing our very best to continue to serve our families,” Schlageter said.

Details: pittsburghkids.org

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