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Covid-19: What to Expect During Your Visit

The museum is planning to reopen our doors on Wednesday, September 2nd.

Your health and safety are our top priority, so be assured we are following all Connecticut State and University of Connecticut guidelines for health and safety.  By visiting the Museum, you agree to abide by these policies.

Our guidelines below will orient you before you arrive.
Please plan ahead.

  • Face masks are required on UConn’s campus and inside the building for all staff and visitors over the age of 2. *The Benton reserves the right to ask visitors who do not follow these guidelines to leave the building.
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Our Lobby area is in the same space as the Beanery Café, and people may be eating or drinking without face masks. If you do not feel comfortable with this, stop by on a Saturday when the café is closed. 
  • We are limiting visitor occupancy for your safety. Please wait outside if the lobby has reached capacity of four people. If you are visiting with a small group, please send one member of your party to check in at the front desk.
  • Use the available hand sanitizer upon entering the building and in the gallery.
  • Stop at our Visitor Services Desk to ensure the galleries are below capacity before proceeding.
  • Use the stairs if you are able.If you need to use the elevator, our front desk staff will assist you.
  • Please take all your belongings with you as you will exit out our rear patio. Water bottles must be closed or in bags, and all bags held to the side or worn in the front of your body.  We will provide plastic bags at the front desk for wet umbrellas.
  • Visitors will move from space to space by following floor arrows and by moving clockwise within each gallery space.
  • Enjoy the collections and exhibitions at your own pace but please be courteous and aware of others around you and maintain at least 6’ distance.


Groups:  Groups of 10 or more are required to call Visitor Services in advance at 860-486-4520 and will not be admitted without prior reservation.


Food/Water/Restrooms

  • Restrooms are open at reduced capacity.
  • Water fountains are available for refilling bottles only.
  • The Beanery Café will be open Monday to Friday. It shares space with our lobby.


About Cleaning during COVID-19

  • The Benton will be closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays for cleaning.
  • In addition to Hepa filters in our HVAC system, we have installed air purifiers in each gallery.
  • Staff will clean high-touch surfaces once per hour during our opening hours.