The Frost Museum of Science and the Pérez Art Museum Miami have both reopened in recent months in the wake of easing pandemic restrictions, but both have opted to keep many of the virtual additions they implemented during lockdown.
The PAMM had an exceptionally busy day reopening to the public on November 7. Guests have said they feel more connected with the art now following the PAMM’s new flow, according to Queena Washington, the Visitor Services Manager.
“It was important for us to be creative because we wanted to make sure our staff felt safe dealing with the public,” Washington said.
Located next to the PAMM, the Frost Science Museum has struggled financially but is fighting to persevere.
Frost Science Vice President of Marketing Joseph Quiñones said the museum quickly pivoted and launched “Frost Science at Home” at the start of the lockdown, an online platform with free educational resources, weekly webinars and streams. “We launched a live stream of our Gulf Stream Aquarium, which is very popular, so the community could continue to check-in at any time of the day.”
With over 13 thousand animals in Frost’s living collection, paying staff and feeding the animals throughout lockdown without the price of daily admission had a huge financial impact.
“We need support from the community financially to be able to continue, you know? We are doing everything we can to stay alive if you will, but we know our role in the community is important so we need that support,“ Quiñones said.
