Cheekwood just announced they will reopen on Friday, May 22, as part of Phase One of Mayor John Cooper’s plan to allow businesses to operate, but there will be some restrictions. All tickets must be purchased online, and certain parts of Cheekwood, including the Historic Mansion and Museum and the Frist Learning Center, will not open until a later date, as part of Phase Three of Nashville’s reopening.

“We are delighted to welcome visitors back to Cheekwood, where sweeping vistas and breathtaking gardens offer a respite for renewal and recovery,” President and CEO Jane MacLeod said in a statement. “Be it a sun-bathed explosion of color, a wooded canopy, or simply the site of the trains running on the garden rails again, Cheekwood is here to enjoy and help our community heal.”

Cheekwood officials are asking that those who feel ill or have any symptoms of COVID-19 not visit the 55-acre garden. In addition, visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing. Cloth face coverings are required when entering buildings, and strongly encouraged in outdoor areas as well. Vending machines and water fountains will also be blocked at this time, so visitors should plan accordingly.

The May 22 date is significant for Cheekwood. On the same day, in 1960, Cheekwood opened for the first time.

Mondays will still be reserved for members only, but they will need to obtain a time-stamped ticket. Those tickets, along with more information about guidelines and procedures at Cheekwood, can be found by visiting Cheekwood.org.