MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

To our friends and family,

The past two months have been nothing short of incredibly challenging, with each of us affected by a health and economic crisis of a magnitude once unthinkable.  Sadly, for many people, it has been a time of profound hardship and loss.  In our organization, this has offered sobering perspective and a sharp reminder of what is most important to us.

Since opening in 2012, our Museum has welcomed over 2.5 million guests, and we have operated every day with an insatiable desire to be the very best at what we do.  We exist to deliver value to the public, advancing our mission by preserving history, fostering discourse, and providing truly one-of-a-kind experiences.  Fundamentally, this means we are in service to others.  With that comes a hierarchy of obligations we must fulfill, with the health and safety of our guests and employees rising above all else.  Nothing is more essential.

During the closure, our team has been working unceasingly, with singular focus: creating a museum environment that carefully considers personal well-being within the new realities of public engagement.  To this end, we have applied the very same high standards that have guided the creation of our exhibits, programs, and other guest amenities.   We eagerly anticipate your next visit – and when you do return, there are a number of changes you can expect to find as a result of our enhanced safety procedures. Below are a few items I want to highlight.

• We are limiting Museum entry to approximately one-third of our previous operating capabilities, and exhibit spaces will have capacity levels monitored to half of posted fire code.
• The frequency of deep sanitizing occurring after-hours will be dramatically increased. The process and disinfectants used will be certified by a hospital grade cleaning service.  Throughout the day, you will observe staff diligently cleaning, with an emphasis on frequent contact surfaces.
• UV light sterilization will be used on any equipment, such as audio tour devices, that will be handled for prolonged periods by guests. This process is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and highly effective in eliminating bacteria and viruses.
• Advance reservations with timed tickets, purchased online or over the phone, will be strongly encouraged to allow minimal wait times. This is especially important to ensure guest parties will be separated by at least six feet within queuing areas.
• Special hours will be offered strictly for guests who are considered more vulnerable under the CDC guidelines.
• We will employ a wellness check process for all individuals entering the building to reduce the likelihood of preventable exposure. This will include temperature checks with no-contact scanners for all employees, volunteers, vendors, and guests.
• All individuals will be required to wear face masks for the duration of their time inside the Museum, with exceptions made only at management discretion in situations where sufficient alternative precautions are possible, and while eating or drinking in designated locations.
• Upon entering the building, each guest will be offered a complimentary face mask to use if one is not already in possession.
• Included with every ticket purchased, for a limited time, each guest will be provided with a complimentary bottle of 80% ethanol hand sanitizer. Guests may also opt for complimentary gloves and the use of a stylus for manipulating touchscreens.
• Exhibits throughout the Museum have been reconfigured and modified to better manage guest flow and to reduce physical handling.
• Speakeasy seating will be decreased, again to no more than half of fire code, and with a minimum of six feet separation between tables. Single-use menus and other table service precautions will minimize contact.
• Our HVAC system has been thoroughly cleaned and upgraded. Air within the Museum will be exchanged at least twelve times an hour.  HEPA filters have been added to the Speakeasy space to address droplet-sized airborne particulates.

All of these modifications were thoughtfully evaluated in concert with guidelines set forth by the Southern Nevada Health District, Centers for Disease Control, and other industry specific best practices.  If you wish to read more detail about our reopening plan and procedures, please follow this link.

I must also mention a particular point of pride and offer one final assurance.  Through the years, we have developed a wonderful reputation for our staff friendliness.  In fact, many of you who frequent the Museum have come to know our team members personally.  When you next visit, it may seem a bit unusual at first.  Team members will be physically distant and they will be wearing masks, as they follow our new operational plan that prioritizes health and safety.  Nevertheless, you should not doubt the genuine delight we will feel to welcome you back.  It simply cannot be overstated, you provide us with purpose.

With respect to reopening dates, we must still wait on the directives from the Governor’s Office and our local authorities.  We are, however, planning for a reopening at the end of this month.  Tentatively, we will open our doors first to our donors and members on Saturday, May 30^th, followed by a general public opening the next day.

For those who are not yet able to visit, please know that we have enhanced our digital content offerings.  Virtual Community Safety Forums, educational outreach resources for families and teachers, digital exhibitions, virtual tours, blogs, and more are available on our website and App. Visit www.themobmuseum.org or download The Mob Museum’s free mobile app for Android and iPhones.

Our organization is grateful for your ongoing support, and we are looking forward to seeing you at the Museum very soon!