BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Along with phase 2 of California's reopening plan, came the ability for outdoor museums to open back up for business. And the Kern County Museum is certainly ready, with some modifications.

“The most devastating thing is our busy times are spring and fall when the weather is nice. So we had to cancel a large flea market, a concert, a very popular music festival," said Mike McCoy, Executive Director of the museum.

McCoy says the museum, like many other businesses in the county, took a big financial hit because of the pandemic. Although he says the museum was never in danger of going out of business, he’s very thankful to welcome people back in. He says for those who visit, a mask will be required to enter. And some parts of the museum will be closed because state guidelines still forbid indoor museums from being open.

“So for example, our Black Gold exhibit, our new Watson Transportation Exhibit, they’re closed to the public, so we’ve lowered our cost of admission to $5 instead of $10," he said.

Other closed attractions include the Lori Brock Discovery Center, the Howell House, and the Chamber of Commerce building.
Outdoor portions of the museum are open. Including 60 buildings ranging from historic homes, to old-timey transportation, to Kern’s rich history in oil.

The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

California is entering into phase 3 on Friday, which allows for the reopening of indoor museums. Mccoy says they will be reviewing those sanitation guidelines to figure out when they can open their buildings up.