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Arts & Culture COVID-19 Resources

Below you’ll find up-to-date resources on operating arts and culture organizations on city, state and federal government guidelines:

Philadelphia-Specific Guidelines and Resources:

  • Announced on December 13, 2021, the City of Philadelphia will have enhanced COVID protocols related to indoor dining beginning January 3, 2022. These enhanced protocols will apply to any arts or culture institution that serves food or drink. You can read more in the official press release here but to summarize:
    • Starting Monday January 3, 2022, “Philadelphia establishments that sell food or drink for consumption onsite will require that everyone who enters has completed their COVID vaccinations.” 
    • Between January 3 - January 16, these establishments may choose to accept proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of entry for people who are not fully vaccinated. This exception will end, and everyone will need to be fully vaccinated, on January 17, 2022. 
    • After January 17, negative tests will no longer be allowed as proof for entrance into food establishments. 
    • If you have questions, please email Covidpolicy@phila.gov. 

      We wanted to provide a brief update on a meeting that the Cultural Alliance coordinated with City of Philadelphia Health Commissioner, Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, on Monday, December 20 at the request of several members representing Museums. This meeting sought important clarification regarding the new mandates related to establishments serving food and drink indoors, which are set to go into effect on Monday, January 3. Please note, this conversation focused on Museums alone and does not extend to other arts and culture organizations, specifically theaters and performing arts venues.

      The City does not require visitors to be vaccinated – nor do they need to show proof of a negative COVID test – to enter and enjoy exhibits/programs within a Museum. However, should visitors wish to enjoy a dining experience within a Museum, during their visit, proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test for all guests in the party (Ages 5 years and 3 months+) must be provided, before entrance or purchase (This is at the discretion of the Museum or the food and beverage operator), through January 17. After January 17, only proof of vaccination will be accepted, per the City’s mandate.

  • As of 8/11/21, Philadelphia’s new mask mandate goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, August 12. Additional information can be found below and on the City's COVID-19 webpage.
    • Indoors – businesses and institutions: In Philadelphia, businesses and institutions that require vaccination for all employees and patrons are exempted from having a mask requirement. Masks will be required indoors at all Philadelphia businesses and institutions that do not require vaccination for employees and patrons. That means that for businesses and institutions that do not require everyone who enters to be vaccinated, everyone on site will be required to wear a mask.  
    • Indoor dining: Indoor dining will be allowed to continue in restaurants. In restaurants that require proof of vaccination for everyone (staff and patrons), masks will not need to be worn. If vaccine is not required for everyone that enters a restaurant, masks are to be worn by all patrons and staff the entire time while not seated and eating or drinking.  
    • Non-seated outdoor events: Masks will be required at all non-seated outdoor events in Philadelphia with more than 1,000 attendees.
  • The city holds bi-weekly virtual press briefings to provide an update on COVID-19 and the City’s response. You can find recordings of previous briefings as well as livestreams for upcoming briefings on the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's YouTube channel.
  • Philadelphia’s COVID-19 guideline documents, including for libraries, museums, events, drive-in theaters, businesses and more 
  • Current Office Guidance
  • PHLConnectED: Connecting K-12 students to the internet
  • COVID-19 Testing Sites Map
  • The Office of Special Events and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation began accepting event permit applications again on March 16, 2021
  • Ready.Set.Philly! has the latest news and resources, such as a partner toolkit for employers, to help everyone feel prepared for a safe return to Philadelphia workplaces and all the things that make our City great. 
Montgomery County-Specific Guidelines and Resources:

Pennsylvania-Specific Guidelines and Resources:

Other Guidelines and Resources:

This page was last updated on 12/10/2021.