Update, May 20: The Lion Shrine will now begin renovations on Monday, June 1, according to Penn State spokesman Wyatt DuBois.

Forecasted rain delays delayed the start of the project. Should weather permit it to move forward, things will get underway when June rolls around.

Original Story: Penn State’s Nittany Lion Shrine will close for scheduled conservation work beginning Monday, May 18, the university announced Thursday.

The shrine is expected to be closed for about three weeks, but renovations may take longer should weather and increased visitation affect the project’s timeline.

During maintenance, the shrine will be fenced off and unavailable to public access. Crews will work to make repairs to the Symbol of Our Best’s right ear and claws and give the Lion a deep cleaning to keep it in tip-top shape.

While renovations are underway, visitors are asked to stay out of the fenced area and not make contact with workers.

As graduation rapidly approaches, Penn State is also discouraging students and their families from visiting other campus landmarks in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite an increase in signage encouraging social distancing and six-foot distance markers scattered around campus, university officials have observed large congregations of folks around landmarks including the We Are sign and Old Main. Earlier this spring, social distancing measures were implemented at the Lion Shrine as well.

To help limit health risks as much as possible, Penn State encourages any visitors to properly distance themselves from others and wear face masks at all times. According to the university, failure to follow recommendations from health care experts may result in the landmarks being closed to the general public until further notice.