Visitor Amenities & Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessibility

All Museum exhibit galleries and public spaces are fully wheelchair accessible, including the Ralph Mueller Observatory and the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden. The Shafran Planetarium can accommodate three wheelchairs per program. The Museum has three wheelchairs available for visitor use at no charge on a first come, first served basis.

Vehicles displaying a disabled placard may park free in the Museum lot. Ramps from the paved lot and at the front drop-off area provide easy wheelchair access. There are no steps leading to the front entrance. Visitors who require special assistance may inquire with Protection Services at the parking booth or inside the Museum just to the right of the main entrance doors.

Strollers

Strollers are welcome throughout the Museum and outdoors in the Environmental Courtyard and Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden.

Rest Rooms

Rest rooms are available on all public floors. Wheelchair-accessible rest rooms are located on the Classroom and Ground Floor levels. Rest rooms with power-assist doors are located on the Ground Floor next to the Museum Store.

Baby changing stations are located in both the men’s and women’s rest rooms on the Classroom and Ground Floor levels.

Food Service | The Blue Planet Cafe

The Blue Planet offers full lunch service from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm Monday through Friday, and from noon to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday. We offer healthy food options consisting of a variety of fresh green salads, hummus, sandwiches, soups and other snacks and use no trans fats.

Natureguide Audio Tour

In-depth information about Museum exhibits is just a phone call away! Look for the audio tour symbols posted throughout the galleries. Dial (216) 453-4174 and enter the posted exhibit number, followed by the # key. Enter another exhibit number at any time. For instructions press the * key. NOTE: This service is free, but you will use your cell phone minutes while connected.

Amplification Devices

Amplification devices are available at no charge for lectures in Murch Auditorium and shows in the Shafran Planetarium.

Parking

Guarded, well-lit parking is available, space permitting, in the Museum's lot off of Wade Oval Drive during Museum hours. Accessible parking is available.

General parking is $2.00 per hour, $15.00 per day maximum. Museum members at and above the Friend membership level, receive free parking with a valid admission receipt. Parking is provided on a first come, first served basis and is intended for use by Museum visitors. Commuter parking is not permitted. Space is limited – please don’t abuse this privilege.

The city of Cleveland offers 24 metered parking spaces on Wade Oval Drive. Rates are: 5 cents for 6 minutes, 10 cents for 12 minutes, 25 cents for 30 minutes, 50 cents for 1 hour. Meters are short-term parking only, limited to two hours.

Photography Policy

Personal photography is allowed in the Museum unless otherwise noted. Tripods and other special equipment are not permitted. During your visit, your image may be captured by Museum photographers. These images may be used for promotional purposes.

Bus Groups

Groups arriving on buses may disembark from the circular drive in front of the Museum. Bus drivers, please inquire with Protection Services about where you may park your vehicle.

Lost and Found

Lost and found is located at the Protection Services desk in the Main Lobby. We hold items for two months and then give them to charity. To inquire about lost items, contact Protection Services at (216) 231-4600, ext. 3261. To claim your lost materials, please visit in person and bring photo identification.

First Aid

Visitors in need of first aid should go to the Protection Services desk in the Main Lobby.