The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced plans to reopen to the public in mid-August or “perhaps a few weeks later,” according to a statement released Tuesday.

The museum says that the opening is being planned in tandem with New York State’s cautious, phased plan for reopening the city as coronavirus cases retreat.

The Met shut down on March 13 and more than 80 employees were laid off. The institution may face a staggering $150 million shortfall.

When it reopens, museum officials said, the days and hours in which visitors will be welcomed are likely to be reduced, “given the need to provide an environment that respects social distance requirements”.

The MET will not have tours, talks, concerts, or events through calendar year 2020.

The museum expects to resume these activities in 2021, including a belated celebration of its 150th anniversary.

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