SYRACUSE, N.Y. (N.C.C. NEWS) – The Erie Canal Museum, in downtown Syracuse, opened its doors to the public today after a four month shutdown, according to the museum’s director of communications Vicki Krisak.
Krisak said the museum abruptly closed on March 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The museum struggled financially as it lacked in-person visitation, according to Krisak. She says a large majority of people who visit decide to pay a voluntary donation.
“We lost a great deal of revenue from in-person visits,” Krisak said.
Krisak says the museum adjusted to the virus restrictions by providing an easily accessible way to view everything inside.
“While the museum physically was closed, we were offering many online programs and resources,” Krisak said.
She said the reopening contains multiple changes to the normal museum layout.
People who want to visit must make a reservation online using a specific link, according to Krisak.
She says the museum will limit the number of visitors to a quarter of its regular capacity. Each person who enters must wear a face mask. She said the museum closed each interactive exhibit off from visitors. She says the building goes through a thorough cleaning every day.
The museum’s operating hours run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.
