PRESS RELEASE Science Museum Oklahoma temporarily closed in response to COVID-19

In an effort to protect the health of employees, guests and our extended community, Science Museum Oklahoma will temporarily close to the public beginning on Sunday, March 15, through the end of March. The museum tentatively plans to reopen to the public on April 1, however guests are encouraged to visit the museum's website for updates.

There have been no known cases of COVID-19 at the museum. In light of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Oklahoma County, this temporary closure is meant to encourage the social distancing needed to slow the spread of the virus in the community at this critical stage. The museum’s senior leadership will continue to actively monitor the rapidly changing situation and will take this time to evaluate the museum’s reopening guidelines and procedures.

“With the mission to reveal the wonder and relevance of science, there is no more relevant time than now for SMO to support the recommendations of national and local health leaders which help prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus. This is not a decision we take lightly — spring break is one of the busiest weeks of the year, which is why we are making this choice now. We take seriously the need to act responsibly and make the financial sacrifices needed to stem the spread of COVID-19,” said Sherry Marshall, president and CEO of Science Museum Oklahoma.

Guests who have birthday parties or other events scheduled at the museum during the closure will be contacted by museum staff.

Some internal museum operations are scheduled to continue and staff will report to the museum as directed by the museum’s senior leadership. Appropriate social distancing measures will be taken for staff required to report to the museum. SMO’s full and part-time staff will continue to be paid during the temporary closure.

For more information about Science Museum Oklahoma’s response to COVID-19, visit www.sciencemuseumok.org/covid-19.