Connecticut Science Center to Reopen after COVID-19 Shutdown
Phased reopening begins June 20 with Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed Exhibition
Hartford, CT, June 15, 2010—The Connecticut Science Center announced today that it is launching a
three-stage reopening as part of Phase 2 of Reopen Connecticut, as it continues to fulfill its mission of
inspiring lifelong learning through interactive and innovative experiences that explore our changing world
through science. After serving tens of thousands of school children, educators, and families with “Science
at Home” online resources, events, and materials during the temporary COVID-19 closure, the Science
Center is excited to welcome back visitors and, once again, offer in-person experiences while continuing to
also connect virtually.
Connecticut Science Center Members will enjoy Member Preview Days beginning Saturday,
June 20. The general public is invited to visit beginning on June 26. All guests will be
required to reserve timed entry tickets online in advance of their visit to manage the building
capacity for safe distancing.
Tickets are on sale now. Reservations for members and tickets for the public are available at
www.ctsciencecenter.org/tickets.
Connecticut Science Center staff have been working diligently to ensure that the enjoyable experience
visitors have come to expect is healthy, safe, clean, and exciting. In order to help the public and staff, we
are asking visitors and staff at the Science Center to observe the following guidelines:
● Masks must be worn properly to cover mouth and nose by all guests and staff, except for those
aged two and under.
● Practice safe social distancing and keep family groups 6’ apart or more.
● Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer is also available throughout
the building.
● Sanitizer and wipes will be provided for visitors to disinfect contact points, including interactive
exhibits, before and/or after use. Staff will also actively sanitize contact points throughout the
facility, including exhibits, between uses.
● Mandatory touchless temperature check prior to entry. This no-contact system measures body
temperature to detect fever, which is a common COVID-210 symptom. The maximum temperature
allowance is 100.4 for entry.
The cleaning protocols for the Science Center have been prepared in compliance with State and CDC
requirements and recommended best practices, and reviewed by the Science Center’s panel of medical
advisors. You can learn more about our practices at www.ctsciencecenter.org.
Staff and educators have been working hard to get the Connecticut Science Center ready for visitors. For
those who have previously been to the Science Center, things may look a little different. While some
exhibits are temporarily paused, there is still plenty to do as well as exciting new experiences to enjoy.
Visitors can look forward to experiencing the new blockbuster traveling exhibition Maya: Hidden Worlds
Revealed featuring more than 200 authentic artifacts in an immersive environment. New LIVE Gallery
Science experiences, themed weeks, and beautiful additions to the Rooftop Garden and Science Center
Plaza await visitors of all ages.
“We are excited to welcome our community back to the Connecticut Science Center,” said Matt Fleury,
Connecticut Science Center President and CEO. “There has never been a more important time for the
public to become more aware of and engaged with science. Equally, it has never been more important to
inspire the next generation of STEM professionals in health care, medicine, and research. Now is the time
to love science.”
For more information, including frequently asked questions, please visit www.ctsciencecenter.org.
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About the Connecticut Science Center: The LEED-Gold certified Connecticut Science Center, located in
downtown Hartford, sparks creative imagination and an appreciation for science by immersing visitors in
fun and educational hands-on, minds-on interactive experiences while maintaining an environmentally
conscious presence. Serving more than 3.25 million people since opening in 2009, the Science Center
features more than 165 exhibits in ten galleries, covering a range of topics, including space and earth
sciences, physical sciences, biology, the Connecticut River watershed, alternative energy sources,
Connecticut inventors and innovations, a children’s gallery, and much more. Other features include the
state’s only year-round butterfly habitat, five educational labs, a 200-seat 3D digital theater, function room,
gift store, and ongoing events for all ages.
The Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing science education throughout the
state of Connecticut and New England, providing learning opportunities for students and adults of all ages,
and engaging the community in scientific exploration. The Connecticut Science Center is the home to the
Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell Academy for Teachers, offering powerful professional development for
educators. More information: CTScienceCenter.org or (860) SCIENCE.