Health & Safety

We currently require all guests to present proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to attending an event. Proof of vaccination or a negative test result must be shown when entering the theater.  

Starting February 1, vaccinated guests must also present proof of a booster shot.

All patrons who have not received a booster shot by February 1 will need to present a negative test result taken within 72 hours before attending a performance. This includes guests who are not yet eligible for the booster, including children under the age of 12. In compliance with the City of Saint Paul’s executive order, negative COVID-19 test results must be from a medically supervised PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours before a performance. Rapid home tests will not be accepted.

Either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test must accompany a matching photo ID, such as a valid driver’s license or state ID.

Proof of vaccination includes bringing a physical card, showing a digital photo of your vaccination card, or presenting digital immunization records such as through the Docket or Clear mobile apps. 

Proof of a negative test result includes bringing a printed or digital copy of your test results.  

Resources for scheduling your vaccination or COVID-19 test

• Schedule your free COVID-19 vaccination

• Request a copy of your Minnesota vaccination record, or find information about obtaining vaccination records from other states.

• Schedule a free COVID-19 test

All guests and staff are required to wear masks at all times in the Ordway, regardless of vaccination status, except when actively eating or drinking in lobbies. Given the transmissibility of the Omicron variant, the Arts Partnership has updated its mask policy to require non-cloth masks such as N95, KN95, KF94, and surgical masks. Non-cloth masks will be available at the Ordway upon arrival if needed, courtesy of the Art Partners.

The Ordway’s air system brings in fresh air from the outside to help limit the spread of airborne viruses like COVID-19. In addition, several updates have been made to further improve air safety inside the Ordway:

• Upgraded the heating, ventilation, and air-condition (HVAC) filtration to a high-efficiency MERV 13 filters, following Minnesota Department of Health best practices.

• Added HVAC controls and sensors to improve air velocity within the building and provide additional monitoring and control of the system by our facility engineers.

• Removed forced air hand dryers in all restrooms, which have been shown to disperse a high quantity of bacteria into the air, and replaced them with paper towel dispensers.

In addition to the robust cleaning practices that were already in place, we have:

• Increased the frequency of cleaning throughout the building for high-touch areas in the front of house and back of house areas of the Ordway

• Added state-of-the-art practices including self-cleaning anti-microbial covers in high touch areas where possible

• Set up hand-sanitizing stations throughout the venue

• Trained all employees in critical hand washing and cleaning guidelines

• Replaced waste receptacles with open top units so guests can throw out items without touching any surfaces

Ticket holders of postponed events have been contacted through their point of purchase, and we are actively working to reschedule these performances. Ticket holders will be notified once new dates are determined and tickets will be automatically transferred to the new dates. Additional changes will be updated at ordway.org/news.

Please contact the Ticket Office at weborders@ordway.org or 651.224.4222 if you have any questions about your event.

Proof of vaccination or a negative test result must be shown when entering the theater. Proof of vaccination includes bringing a physical card or showing a digital photo of your vaccination card that matches your ID. Proof of a negative test result includes bringing a printed or digital copy of your test results that matches your ID. 

Those who are not vaccinated, including children under 12 who are not eligible for vaccination, can attend with proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of attending an event. 

People who are not yet eligible for the booster, including children younger than 12 years old, must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before the event in order to attend a performance.  In compliance with the City of Saint Paul’s executive order, negative COVID-19 test results must be from a medically supervised PCR or antigen test. Rapid home tests will not be accepted.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet released booster guidelines for the AstraZeneca vaccine or other vaccines beyond the three previously mentioned. Once guidelines have been announced, the Arts Partnerships will adjust its policy regarding other vaccines accordingly.

Yes, masks are required for everyone inside of the venue, except while actively eating or drinking in the lobbies. The Arts Partnership has updated its mask policy, now requiring guests to wear non-cloth masks such as N95, KN95, KF94, or surgical masks. 

This policy applies to all events inside of the Ordway.  

This policy will vary between performances and presenting organizations. The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club are currently operating at limited capacity at all performances with hall capacities set at 50% to allow distancing between households. Minnesota Opera and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts are operating at regular capacity.

Yes. Venues large and small across the United States continue to reevaluate their COVID-19 safety policies and revise them based on recommendations from public health experts.

Staff will be trained to work with guests who may question building policies. Staff will listen, offer options, and seek resolution while keeping in mind the ultimate goal of protecting the health and safety of all guests and staff. 

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at select performances. No outside beverages will be allowed in the venue. 

If you are not currently vaccinated, you can find out when, where, and how to get a free COVID-19 vaccine via Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector:

You can find a free testing location near you via the State of Minnesota website:

You can request a copy of your Minnesota vaccination record here:

For other states, you can find your Immunization Information Systems contact information here:

We will continue to follow the latest public safety guidelines. We would notify you if any changes take place.