Code of Conduct
Please note the following Museum policies:
- All visitors are subject to bag inspection.
- Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Wheelchairs are welcome and available at the Museum.
- Strollers and wagons are welcome unless otherwise noted in special exhibits.
- Do not touch exhibits unless indicated in signage.
- Be courteous to others when using cell phones, elevators, and benches.
- Be courteous to others when interacting with staff, ensuring engagement opportunities for all visitors.
- Still photography and video are permitted for private, noncommercial use; handheld devices only.
- Appropriate footwear is required.
- Photography is permitted for weddings, engagements, etc. on Museum grounds.
- The Museum reserves the right to refuse service and modify rules at any time.
The Museum prohibits the following:
- Firearms, weapons, explosives, flammable materials, and noxious substances
- Bikes, roller skates, skateboards, and scooters (wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons permitted)
- Smoking, including electronic smoking and smokeless tobacco
- Luggage and small carry-ons, except in the coatroom at your discretion
- Dogs and other pets (service animals permitted)
- Running, climbing, sitting on exhibits or railings, and carrying children on shoulders
- Entering nonpublic areas without authorization
- Pens, markers, paint, charcoal, and pastels (pencils permitted)
- Flashlights, laser pointers, flash photography, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, 3D-scanning devices, and professional video equipment
- Balloons, balls, sports equipment, gum, and stickers
- Threatening, profane, and offensive language or gestures
- Blocking aisles, exits, or entrances
- Excessive noise, disruptions, and audible devices used without headphones
- Eating and drinking, except in designated areas
- Soliciting for money, donations, or signatures and distributing or posting materials without permission
- Littering
- Nudity, revealing attire, and clothing with profanity or violent images/text
- Sleeping
- Photography in traveling exhibits
Museum photography policy
For private, noncommercial purposes, general visitors are welcome to take photographs of any permanent exhibit. No flash photography, please. In addition, please observe the following guidelines:
- All cameras and video cameras must be handheld; no extra lighting or tripod setup.
- No photography for commercial use without prior permission.
- All traveling exhibits are subject to photographic and video restrictions.
Professional photographers are required to obtain a photographic release. Images or video of the Museum may not be published in any format without prior consent.
For more information, please contact us at photography@cmnh.org.
Questions?
Please call the Museum's Welcome Desk at 216.231.4600.
