After temporarily closing its doors on March 18, 2020 due to the pandemic, the Roswell Museum and Art Center has announced it will re-open with a Members Appreciation Days October 13-16 and to the general public on October 20. Following New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s release of museums for safe reopening, the Museum will operate at a 25% capacity while enacting new safety measures, including reduced hours to allow for additional cleaning, requiring face coverings, and social distancing guidelines.

“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on our community, and while we are excited to be reopening, our priority continues to be the health and safety of our visitors, local residents and our Museum staff and volunteers,” said Museum Director Caroline Brooks. “Over the past several months, we’ve developed reopening guidelines with the support of the City of Roswell, peer institutions, the American Alliance of Museums and CDC publications. With grant monies provided by the New Mexico Humanities Council, we’ve been able to purchase essential safety supplies, including masks, gloves, sneeze guards and sanitizer. These enhancements will ensure we’re meeting the highest public health standards, while maintaining a good visitor experience.”

Cleaning will be enhanced throughout the Museum, including increased frequency of disinfecting high-traffic surfaces, and sanitizer stations will be available in several areas. In accordance with state requirements, the Museum’s staff, as well as all visitors, will be required to wear face coverings; complimentary masks will be provided for guests who need one. In addition, masks made by local artists through the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program are available for sale in the Museum Store.

During Member Appreciation Days, beginning on October 13, the Museum will welcome members and their guests for an exclusive first look at the new sculpture and painting exhibitions on display by Roswell Artists-in-Residence Manny Rodriguez-Delgado and Agustin “Lucho” Pozo, in addition to other new exhibits installed during the closure. In appreciation of their steadfast support, members will also receive a new “Support Local Museums” sticker for their car, lightbulbs courtesy of Xcel Energy, as well as enjoy a 20% discount in the store. Those interested in becoming new members are welcome to come in and sign up. The general public is welcome to visit starting October 20.

Visiting hours during the initial phase of reopening will be Tuesday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is currently free to the Museum through the end of the year. In order to allow space for ample social distancing, it is strongly encouraged that visitors call to set up an appointment to visit the Museum at 575-624-6744, although walk-ups will be welcome as space allows. As recommended by state and city officials, those who are not feeling well and people with serious medical conditions should delay their visit until a safer time. The Robert H. Goddard Planetarium will remain closed until further notice.

RMAC is located at 1011 N. Richardson Ave, just north of the Roswell Convention Center.