IndiaParentMagazine

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose Opens the Inside in Phased Reopening

Popular Family Attraction Opens Today
Launches Purple Play Days the Month of April


After a 13-month closure of the museum’s inside, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose joyfully opens the iconic 52,000 square foot purple building today - Friday, April 2. After successfully operating the outdoor space, Bill’s Backyard, for several months in 2020 and 2021, the museum will open the interior with exhibit and space modifications and two play sessions per day every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This latest phase of reopening is in accordance with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department.

#PURPLEPLAYDAYS

All visitors are encouraged to celebrate the reopening and 30 years of Purple Play by wearing purple to the museum during the month of April. The museum asks the community to join in the happiness by wearing and sharing purple. The Circle of Palms, Post Street and the San Jose Civic in downtown San Jose will be lit up in purple, courtesy of San Jose Downtown Association and Team San Jose. All purple-inspired photos and videos should tag #purpleplaydays on social to celebrate this grand reopening.

“We’ve been waiting and preparing for this incredible moment,” said Marilee Jennings, executive director of Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. “It is gratifying that as a county we have made tremendous progress and are now at a point in the pandemic where we can safely reopen the inside. So many families have expressed tremendous appreciation for our ability to successfully reopen Bill’s Backyard and they are eagerly awaiting to visit their favorite spaces inside. But there are some exhibits we just can’t open yet; however, we’ve worked hard to figure out how to safely open many of the favorites like Waterways, the Rainbow Market, and Bubbles, which we moved outside,” added Jennings.

“We are following the same robust, science-based measures in all the interior modifications that visitors overwhelmingly told us made them feel safe in Bill’s Backyard,” said Jennings. “Still, we know that we can’t do this alone – we’re counting on participation and compliance from our visitors.”

The museum’s research-based philosophy that play is essential for children’s healthy development is even more relevant today after months of virtual learning and isolation. Opening the museum will provide families with a safe place for stimulating children’s bodies, minds, and imaginations, and much-needed safe socialization and fun for families.

To prioritize visitor and staff safety, protocols have been put in place that meet and often exceed the county’s mandates. The museum will initially open with 25% capacity and will grow to 50% over time and in accordance with the county guidelines. Other protocols include online reservations for contactless ticketing, plexiglass shields at admissions for staff and visitors, a mask-requirement for anyone age two or older, and additional hand sanitizers.

Space and exhibit modifications have been made and signage in English, Spanish and Vietnamese has been installed to make social distancing easier. The museum’s already robust cleaning and disinfecting procedures have been stepped up to include CDC and EPA-recommended products, nano septic tape, and an hour-long cleaning and disinfecting break between morning and afternoon sessions.

During the phased reopening, the museum remains committed to equity and inclusion with the continuation of the Museums for All program. This national initiative provides all families the opportunity to visit regardless of ability to pay. Admission is only $2 per person (regular ticket price is $15) with the presentation of an electronic benefit card or other specific documentation.

For more information on the museum’s health and safety plan and for more details on the interior modifications, visit our website.

TICKET INFORMATION: Reservations are required for the two play sessions per day: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 – 4:00 p.m., with an hour cleaning break between sessions.

Ticket prices for the museum are $15 per child or adult and seniors are $14. Museum members are free. For ticket reservations, visit our website.

April Schedule (including Spring Breaks):
· OPEN: Fri., April 2; Sat., April 3; Sun., April 4
· OPEN: Fri., April 9; Sat., April 10; Sun., April 11
· CLOSED: Mon., April 12; Tues., April 13
· OPEN for SPRING BREAK: Wed., April 14 through Sun., April 18
· OPEN: Fri., April 23; Sat., April 24; Sun., April 25; Fri., April 30