The Newseum will now open to the public on April 11, officials said last week, after a full six-month delay from the original mid- October target date.

Blunting the bad news of the delay, the Newseum announced that no admission will be charged on opening day and that ABC’s “Good Morning America” will broadcast part of its program live from the museum that day.

The Newseum’s first week also will include live music, photo opportunities, historical actors,

guest appearances and games and activities for children.

The $450 million museum is devoted to the history of news and First Amendment issues. The new building will have seven levels with 250,000 square feet of exhibit space, including 15 theaters, 14 major galleries, two broadcast studios and a 4-D time-travel experience.

[IMGCAP(1)]The museum also announced that The Washington Post will sponsor free school trips to the Newseum during its first year for children in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Newseum Executive Director Joe Urschel attributed the delay in opening to the fact that many of the exhibits are technology-based and construction on them couldn’t begin until the building was completed and cleaned.

Urschel said the museum has been hosting parties and events and bringing in test groups and school tours since December.

The Source, a three-level restaurant within the museum complex, already has opened as well, and will begin lunch service on Feb. 19. The complex also is home to more than 140,000 square feet of residential apartments.

After opening day, admission to the Newseum will be $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and older, $13 for children ages 7 to 12 and free for children 6 and under.

The museum is located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Tickets can be purchased now online at newseum.org and by phone at 888-NEWSEUM.