Science Mill Review
SCIENCE MILL REOPENS WITH NEW EXHIBITS AND NEW WAYS TO EXPLORE

June 26, 2020, Johnson City, TX—The Science Mill has reopened to visitors, carefully following the latest Phase 3 state guidelines for reopening and CDC recommendations for public health and safety.

To space out visitors and allow plenty of room for social distancing, the Science Mill is now open six days a week, with two entry times (10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm) Tuesday through Saturday, and from 12-4pm on Sunday. Between the two sessions Tuesday through Saturday, staff does a deep cleaning and reset of the entire museum. A new online ticketing system enables visitors to purchase tickets for a “contactless” entry, and two entrances are available to support social distancing and keep any time in line as short as possible.

The museum has created a guide for different ways people can explore their 50+ exhibits: outside-only, touch-free, and hands-on (with a safety focus). Disposable gloves are required to interact with all hands-on exhibits, or if visitors prefer a touch-free visit, there are more than two dozen minds-on exhibits to enjoy. New exhibits in the outdoor Science & Art Park include the Labyrinth, Butterfly Garden, Giant Bubbles Station and Scavenger Hunt.  

All visitors ages 5 and up are required to wear face masks while inside the museum buildings, and all Science Mill staff wear masks and gloves. Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the museum and updated bathrooms offer touch-free towel and soap dispensers. Dedicated staff continuously disinfect exhibits, tools, handles and other surfaces after use.

“We’re excited to welcome visitors back with new, inventive ways to interact with and explore the Science Mill that maintain our ‘minds-on’ focus while safeguarding the health of our visitors, staff and community,” said Portia Marchman, Science Mill director of operations. “Necessity is the mother of invention, so we really had to think outside the box to create fun, safe, but still interactive STEM experiences unique to our museum in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.” 

The Science Mill is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for visitors of all ages. Through cutting-edge exhibits, games and programs, the non-profit science museum expands understanding and appreciation of science in everyday life. Housed in a historic 1880s mill, the Science Mill is located at 101 S. Lady Bird Lane in Johnson City, TX. More information at www.sciencemill.org.