DENVER (KDVR) — Guest “anger” over the mask rule at the Children’s Museum of Denver pushed the attraction to close its doors while it works out stronger policies.
The museum at Marisco Campus will close Wednesday through Feb. 4. All reservations during that time period have been canceled, the museum said.
“We know the stress of the last two years has taken a toll on everyone in our community, but regrettably, some guests who object to the Museum’s mask policy have been inappropriately directing their anger toward our staff,” the museum said in an announcement.
The museum said the closure is “so that we can support our staff and bolster our policies with the hope of preventing this type of behavior in the future.”
The Children’s Museum said it’s following public health guidance. Masks are required at all times except for while seated in designated areas, with no medical exemptions accepted, according to their website. The museum’s outdoor Joy Park is mask-optional.
As outlined in Denver’s current public health order, masks are required in all indoor public spaces for everyone age two and older unless the space verifies COVID-19 vaccination for 95% of the people there. As of Tuesday, the mask mandate was to stay in effect until Feb. 3.
Michael Yankovich, president and CEO of the museum, released this statement on Tuesday evening:
First, I would like to say we are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support we have received regarding our decision to temporarily close the Museum. Thank you to all who have sent messages filled with positivity and kind words.
Objections to our mask policy have been increasingly directed at our staff in inappropriate ways, making it difficult to provide the type of welcoming and playful experience families expect when they visit the Museum. It became apparent that the only way to address the issue was through a temporary closure, allowing our staff space to take a step back. Our team will work their regularly scheduled hours and use this time to examine ways to support each other and bolster our policies in the hopes of ensuring the Museum is a safe place for both our community and our staff.
Please check our website for updates in the coming days, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum on February 5.
Michael Yankovich, president and CEO of the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marisco Campus