The Allentown Art Museum opens to the public Aug. 21. The museum opened to members Aug. 14 - 16.

The museum closed March 14 because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shutdown.

“We’re ready to bring the healing, restorative power of art back to our community,” said Michelle R. Stringer, Museum Interim President and Chair of the Board of Trustees.

“Nothing compares to the feeling of immersing yourself in artwork. We are grateful to be able to provide our members and visitors with a safe opportunity to reflect and reenergize again at the Museum,” Stringer said.

In addition to works from the Museum’s permanent collection, also on display will be the special exhibitions, “Evolution of the Spiritual: Europe to America, through Sept. 6, which includes paintings from the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of the “Art Bridges + Terra Foundation Initiative,” and “Color & Complexity: 30 Years at Durham Press,” through Sept. 20.

The galleries and Museum Store will be open with new hours, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sundays.

Admission is free Sundays.

“ArtVentures” activities for families will be held on the lawn, noon - 3 p.m. Sundays, beginning Aug. 16, weather permitting.

The Museum Café will offer bottled beverages and prepackaged snacks.

Art Ways Interactive Family Gallery and Crayola Classroom are temporarily closed.

A schedule of virtual programs is planned this fall.

Advance reservations for Museum entry and ArtVentures participation are encouraged. Walk-ins will be welcomed based on availability.

Timed ticketing is in place to manage occupancy levels and maintain social distances.

Visitors can reserve tickets at www.AllentownArtMuseum.com/visit.

Responding to guidelines from the City of Allentown, Pennsylvania Department of Health officials, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Museum has instituted the following safety precautions:

• Public and office spaces of the Museum have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and will be maintained frequently, with high-touch surfaces being cleaned continuously.

• Social distancing reminders and hand-sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the Museum.

• Visitor capacity is limited to 50 percent.

• Plexiglas shields have been installed at the front desk, Store, and Café.

• Visitor traffic patterns have been revised to promote safe distancing.

• Timed ticketing is encouraged to manage occupancy levels and space out visitors.

• Face masks are required.

Even as the galleries reopen, Museum staff will continue to create and post behind-the-scenes happenings, videos, art-making activities for children and families, and virtual programs via the Museum’s website through its #AAMatHOME page.