With COVID-19 numbers on the rise, holiday observances continue to differ from what we’re accustomed to. Many museums across the U.S. are offering free opportunities to safely celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this MLK Day.
Some museums will be open with a reduced capacity limit, while others will offer online programming allowing families to keep Dr. King’s memory alive at home.
Here are a few museums offering free admission or free programming.
Durham Museum
Events will include an interactive scavenger hunt, a community art project, and screenings of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have A Dream” speech. Visitors will also be able to view all permanent exhibits. Everyone five and older is required to wear a mask. Visitors must register in advance at durhammuseum.org or by calling 402-444-5071.
Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson
All visitors are required to wear masks and observe social distancing. The museum will also be streaming their MLK Night of Culture on the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum’s Facebook page Monday at 6:00 p.m.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Visitors must choose from the following entry times: 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., or 3:30 p.m. Children can learn about Dr. King’s life and legacy through special activities created just for them.
The Cleveland Museum of Art
The museum reopens to the public on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will have COVID protocols in place.
Ogden Museum, New Orleans
Museum capacity has been reduced to 25% in accordance with city guidelines, and masks and social distancing are required. Reservations should be made on the museum’s website in advance, and can also be made the day of.
The Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia
The museum will celebrate Dr. King with programming that connects the ideals of the Revolutionary War to King’s teachings.
Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis
Visitors must choose a time slot: either 10:00 a.m. to noon, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., to allow 30-minute breaks for cleaning. Admission is first-come, first-served.
Rockwell Museum, Corning, NY
The Rockwell is offering free arts experiences for all ages on MLK Day. More information can be found on their website.
Akron Art Museum
Programming will include readings of works by Black authors and poets for both children and adults. Later in the day, a local art teacher will lead an art-making demonstration. Those wishing to participate in the demonstration may pick up their free Creativity Care Kit in advance. (Virtual only)
The African American Museum, Philadelphia
Scheduled programming includes a screening of the documentary “John Lewis: Good Trouble,” virtual museum tours, readings, discussions, and an online service project. The theme for this year’s celebration is “What can we do for others?” (Virtual only)
California African American Museum, Los Angeles
Programs include an orchestra performance, family story time and poetry workshop, study group, and discussion panel. (Virtual only)