Updates for June 10, 2020

The safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers, and visitors are always our highest priorities. We are mindful of concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and are committed to being responsive, following the recommendations of US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Public Health Seattle & King County.

What SAM is Doing

In light of the directives issued by the Governor’s office to limit the spread of coronavirus and the guidance provided by public officials to safeguard the health and safety of our community, we will remain closed at our three locations until further notice. The Seattle Art Museum, the Asian Art Museum and the PACCAR Pavilion at the Olympic Sculpture Park will be closed.

The Olympic Sculpture Park remains open, consistent with Governor Jay Inslee’s proclamation noting that walks, bike rides, and similar activities are considered essential for everyone’s physical and mental health and are not prohibited during this time. We will continue to monitor and follow the guidance of city and public health officials and we will align with any decision to close major Seattle city parks. When the park is open, we ask that visitors keep moving through the park and closely follow social distancing guidelines, staying six feet away from other park visitors. We encourage park visitors to wear masks. Please note that no groups or gatherings are currently allowed in the park.

The SAM Shop and TASTE Café, the Education Resource Center, and all libraries will also be closed. We have also canceled or postponed all museum events through July 31, 2020.

While we are closed, follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you can Stay Home with SAM—we’re sharing art activities for all ages, videos, interviews, art news, and more to keep you connected to art. If you would like to continue to help support SAM’s efforts to connect art to life while we are closed, we would be most appreciative. Please visit our website to make a donation.

If you have a ticket to the museum or for a canceled event, please consider donating your ticket to the museum during this difficult time. We are also happy to exchange your ticket for a future event or offer a refund on request. Due to staffing limits during the museum’s closure, the Customer Service Center will be unable to check voicemails regularly. Please contact us via email at customerservice@seattleartmuseum.org with any questions, concerns, or requests. Responses may take longer than usual.

We are monitoring the evolving situation closely and will announce any further program or operational changes through our regular channels, including our website and social media.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to help our community stay safe and healthy.

What You Can Do

For the safety of everyone in our community we ask that you:

Stay home if you are feeling unwell and practice social distancing when out.

Wash your hands. Do so often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If opportunity for hand washing is not available, use hand sanitizers.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Cover your coughs and sneezes. Hold a tissue over your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Throw that tissue away and, again, wash your hands.

No handshakes or hugs, please. A wave is acceptable for greeting others.

Public Health Seattle & King County is strongly recommending that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:

People 60 and older.

People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.

People who have weakened immune systems.

People who are pregnant.

We encourage you to stay informed and to follow the guidance provided by public health officials.

Here are some links to resources that can provide more details on these and other recommendations:

kingcounty.gov/covid

kingcounty.gov/depts/health/news/2020/March.aspx

cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html

https://www.doh.wa.gov/emergencies/coronavirus