What to Expect for the Momentary’s Reopening

UPDATE: We have updated safety information for 2021 here.

Following the guidance of health partners, state and national government officials, and peer institutions, the Momentary reopened to the public on June 10 with limited capacity and new safety measures.

Below you will find a guide of what you can expect now at the Momentary, including new safety guidelines, spaces that will remain closed or have limited service, and more.

1. Timed Tickets Are No Longer Needed

No need to worry about getting tickets in advance this summer – just come whenever you want! We’ll be here to welcome you when you arrive. 

Note! While we are not requiring timed tickets, your safety is still a priority for us and we will continue to have reduced capacity in our space, which our team will monitor as you enter and exit the building to ensure proper distancing is taking place.

2. Enhanced safety precautions are in effect

These are some of the safety guidelines you can expect to see and abide by at the Momentary:

• The space will offer a no-touch experience when possible. No-touch experience includes the elimination of physical ticket interactions. Doors that can safely remain open will be propped open to minimize touch and when that is not possible, staff and/or volunteers will open doors for visitors.
• As a safety precaution and to comply with the state of Arkansas mandate, the Momentary and Crystal Bridges require visitors and staff to wear face coverings for ages 10 and older indoors and outdoors. This state order requires every person in Arkansas to wear a face covering of the mouth and nose in all indoor and outdoor environments where there is exposure to non-household members and social distancing cannot be assured. Accordingly, face coverings should be worn on the Momentary Green when close contact with non-household members could occur, including for programs and events, as well as at food and drink venues, except when eating and drinking. 
• Following the most recent recommendations from the CDC, face shields and face coverings with exhaust valves or vents are not allowed.
• Masks are available upon entry and at outdoor events and venues for those who do not have one.
• Signage will be in place to reinforce social distancing rules, including designated paths noted for guests throughout the spaces.
• All staff and volunteers will undergo temperature checks prior to entering the building.
• Cleaning and sanitization will increase with the addition of hand sanitizer stations throughout the building.

3. Food areas have limited service

• Onyx Coffee Lab at the Momentary is open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ordering and pick-up will be available through both an exterior walk-up window and inside the building with limited seating options.
• The RØDE Bar, located off the RØDE House with a walk-up outdoor window, will now offer service every Wednesday-Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, 4 to 11 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• The Tower Bar at the Momentary offers limited seating to 40 guests max to maintain proper social distancing. Service will be offered tableside only.
  • For the public evening experience:
    • Seating at the Tower Bar is first come, first served. Upon arrival, head to the North Entrance of the Tower, and our host will add you to our queuing system, which will notify you via text message when we are ready for your party. Once you are alerted that your party is ready to be seated, head back to the elevator where an operator will help you queue. Parties are currently limited to 10 people. Only one party is allowed on the elevator at a time.
    • We will have the capacity for 40 guests at a time in the Tower Bar. At this time, reservations will not be taken in advance.
    • Timed ticket entry does not guarantee access to the Tower Bar. When you arrive at the Momentary during your scheduled entry time, you may then get in line for the Tower Bar through the text message queuing system (starting at 5 p.m.).
  • For the member daytime experience:
    • If you are a MO Friend or Insider-level member, your membership allows you to experience the Tower Bar during daytime hours.
      • To access the Tower Bar, you will be asked to present a key card on the elevator. Key cards may be picked up at the Box Office in the Main Lobby.
      • You will need to obtain a free timed-entry ticket as noted above as you will be able to experience the galleries in addition to experiencing the Tower Bar during this time.

4. The shuttle will not be running

The shuttle between the Momentary, Crystal Bridges, and 21c Museum Hotel will not be operating until further notice.

5. Programs will still be offered virtually

Just as you’ve enjoyed in the past few months, virtual programs will still be offered through sign-up on the Momentary website.

Thank you for helping us ensure the safety for all when you visit. Visitors who are unable to visit in person can continue to enjoy the Momentary with online programs, blogs, Spotify music playlists, social media, and weekly eNewsletter updates.

We are also aware that this news comes at a time of distress as communities around the country are calling for change. We believe in the transformative power of art and we hope that you use our offerings to find comfort, spark conversation, and continue your social justice education. You can learn more about our institutional perspective here.

Crystal Bridges is open, too! Find out what to expect for Crystal Bridges’ reopening here.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us at 479.367.7500. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Momentary soon.