CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Museums across North Carolina are planning ahead to this weekend, able to reopen at 50% capacity when North Carolina's Safer at Home Phase 2.5 goes into effect at 5 p.m. Friday.
The Mint Museum in uptown Charlotte is making plans to formally reopen to the public with a free weekend at both locations, September 25-27.
Mint Museum Members will have a chance to enjoy an early reopening from September 22nd through the 24th.
"I mean, this is the news we've been waiting for, for five and a half months," said Caroline Portillo, director of marketing and communications at The Mint Museum.
They are finishing their plans and guidelines. Masks will be a requirement. There will also be windows of time in which visitors can book ahead, and you can expect to see plenty of signage reminding visitors to keep their distance.
Queen Charlotte will even help out, mask and all.
"I mean it's certainly been a hit," Portillo said. "We saw a hit in admissions and special events."
She noted the generosity of the community and a much needed PPE loan helped the museum stay afloat.
Now, they are looking to reopen and be back in business.
"We're ready to reopen and start bringing in some dollars again," Portillo said.
Mint President and CEO Todd A. Herman said in a statement that the museum has been waiting for the "great news" for five and a half months.
“We appreciate the governor’s recognizing the special place museums hold in the community," he said.
The Mint is also working with other Charlotte museums to see if reopening events can be coordinated.
There will be several new exhibitions and installations at the Mint to celebrate the reopening, including a four-story stained glass piece by Brooklyn-based artist Summer Wheat.
A preview of the new exhibits and information on ticketing can be found on the Mint Museum website, though in-person ticketing is still available.