The Museum campus—Lightcatcher galleries and Old City Hall—is open at full capacity. Museum hours of operation are Thursdays – Sundays, Noon – 5pm. The Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) is open at 30% capacity, Thursdays – Saturdays, 10am – 5pm and Sundays, Noon – 5pm. Visit our FIG page for more info.
The Museum Store inside the Lightcatcher building is open Wednesdays – Sundays, noon – 5pm.
Photo Archives are open for research by appointment only.
Masks & face coverings: In response to local health department guidance, masks are required for all visitors and staff, regardless of vaccination status. The Museum will provide a disposable mask for those who need one. Reusable cloth masks are available for purchase at the Museum Store.
In-person programs: This fall the Museum will be resuming in-person programs in the Rotunda Room of Old City Hall. We will have distanced seating with a maximum capacity of 60 people on a first-come, first-serve basis. When capacity is reached, the Museum will provide a website link to our livestreamed program for viewing offsite. Masks will be required for all participants regardless of vaccination status. Note: The North Cascades Audubon Society requires proof of vaccination (card or photo of card) and ID to attend their monthly programs.
If you feel unwell or have any symptoms of illness, please tune in virtually to our programs. As a public gathering space, the health and safety of our community is our priority. Please visit this page regularly for updates.
Thank you for your support and understanding during this time. We look forward to seeing you at the Museum!
Our Safety Protocols
We want to ensure you have an enjoyable, educational experience in the safest way possible. Here’s what you can expect when you visit our buildings. Guidelines are subject to change. For safety protocols specific to the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) check out our “Plan Your Visit” page for more info.
- All visitors and staff, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks at Old City Hall, the Lightcatcher galleries, the Museum Store, and the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG).
- The Museum will provide a disposable mask for those who need one. Reusable cloth masks are available for purchase at the Museum Store.
- Sneeze guards have been installed at admission and check-in areas.
- Admissions, store purchases, and other transactions have limited contact.
- Visitors checking in must wait in line six (6) feet apart from those not in their group until Admissions staff calls them forward.
- Hand-sanitizing stations are available throughout the Museum.
- Visitors must stay at least six (6) feet apart from those not in their group.
- EPA-approved, non-toxic Force of Nature™ electrolysis cleaner is being used to disinfect hands-on interactives.
- CDC-approved self-cleaning NanoSeptic® skins have been applied to high-touch surfaces such as door handles, elevator/interactive buttons, and touch screens.
- Fresh air is circulated frequently throughout buildings daily.
- Increased intervals of sanitation with deep cleaning are performed after closing.
- If you feel sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19, live with or care for someone who has been sick, or have traveled/live with someone who has traveled in the last 14 days, please visit us at another time.
The Whatcom Museum has successfully met or exceeded the standards set by SanSee Safety Systems for excellence in operational safety and hygiene. Read the SanSee news release here. For more information about our Covid-19 protocols, please contact our general info line at 360.778.8930 or email email@example.com.
Museum From Home
Visit our web calendar for a list of virtual programs and events available from the comfort of your home.
Experience some of the Museum from home:
- Explore our virtual exhibitions, including Celebrating Our Matriarchs, Vintage Vaudevillians and Geometry and Color featuring art by local students.
- Browse a gallery of merchandise from the Museum Store.
- Explore our Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) at Home page for exciting make-at-home activities for kids.
- Watch videos about local history on our teacher resources page.
Tips for reducing the spread of the virus
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for 20+ seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wear a face covering when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not possible.
- Stay away from other people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home to prevent spreading the infection to others. (Employees who are feeling ill are required to stay home).
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Washington State Department of Health for more recommendations.
While the Whatcom Museum has implemented rigorous protocols to maintain a clean and safe environment, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is a very contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and visitors with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting the Whatcom Museum you, and all members of your group, voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.