Visitor Code of Conduct

Safety, Security, and Accommodations

• Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Visitors must wear shirts and shoes at all times.
• Visitors must pass through a security check.
• Visitors must follow directions from security guards or other Museum staff.
• Strollers are permitted in all halls unless otherwise noted.
• Visitors may leave and return using the same ticket on the same day.
• Accommodations, including accessibility tools and facilities, are available upon request.
• Photography for personal use is allowed with handheld cameras, using available light or electronic flash attachments. Selfie sticks and tripods are not permitted.

Courtesy

• The Museum does not tolerate abusive, harassing, discriminatory, or threatening language or behavior.
• Visitors may not sit on the floor or on stairways and must keep doorways, stairs, and hallways accessible to other visitors.
• Visitors must be considerate of persons with disabilities and others who need to use elevators and benches.

Prohibited Activities

• Violent or dangerous behavior or acts of any kind
• Entering any non-public area without authorization
• Creating any disturbance, including yelling or using audible devices or drones
• Running, climbing, or sitting on exhibits or railings
• Carrying children or other guests on shoulders
• Posting or distributing any sign, notice, ad, or print material
• Unauthorized solicitations of any kind, whether commercial, religious, educational, political, or otherwise, or conducting any unauthorized commercial activities, including solicitations of money or other contributions or donations
• Eating or drinking in any of the exhibition halls or outside of designated areas
• Resale, exchange, or transfer of Museum tickets or membership benefits
• Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, anywhere inside the Museum or on the Arthur Ross Terrace

Prohibited Items

• Large bags or backpacks (more than 11” x 17”)
• Explosives, firearms, knives, weapons, noxious gases or substances, or any item deemed by Museum staff to be a dangerous or disruptive instrument
• Bikes, roller skates, skateboards, wagons, and scooters (with the exception of small, foldable scooters for young children that would need to carried by an adult while in the Museum)
• Open food or drink containers (water bottles permitted)
• Glass containers (exceptions for medical necessity)
• Dogs or other pets (exceptions for service animals )
• Any illegal or dangerous items
• Any other items that could put the Museum or visitors at risk, to be determined at the sole discretion of the Museum security team

Visitors who violate the above guidelines and policies may be denied entry or asked to leave the Museum without refund or the ability to return the same day.

The Museum reserves the right, at any time, to implement additional and/or more restrictive rules than those listed above. The Museum also reserves the right to deny admission to any person who is considered to be a threat to the safety of the visitors, staff, or property of the Museum.