Group Visits

Please Note

For the safety of our visitors and staff, groups larger than twelve are strongly discouraged. 

We ask that all visitors, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, follow these safety measures to protect everyone’s health. Visitors who do not adhere to safety policies and guidelines may be asked to leave.  

The most updated information on health and safety requirements can be found on the Plan Your Visit page or the Smithsonian Tips and Guidelines page.  

Some Simple Rules 

To ensure the enjoyment and safety of all museum visitors, these rules should be shared with each member of the group: 

• All visitors ages two and older are required to wear a face covering during their entire visit. 
• Maintain a safe social distance of 6 feet (2 meters) from those not in your immediate group. 
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands and using hand sanitizer. 
• Food, drinks, and gum are not allowed anywhere in the museum and must be kept in sealed containers. Water bottles, nursing, and bottle feeding are fine. 
• Walking and talking are appropriate, while running and shouting are not. 

Chaperone Policy 

All children (under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. When accompanying children, one (1) adult can chaperone up to a maximum of ten (10) children.  

Bus Drop-Off 

The official bus drop-off site is Constitution Avenue on the North side of our building. The Smithsonian has no parking for buses. The District of Columbia Department of Transportation (202-727-1000) may have bus parking suggestions. 

Entering the Museum 

• All groups must enter the museum through the general entry line. We are not currently accepting reservations for expedited entry. 
• To speed entry into the building, carry as little as possible (backpacks, bags, etc.).  Security checks are required of museum visitors, and all bags are inspected. For more information on permissible items can be found at our Visitor Tips page.  
• If you request accessibility accommodations for your visit, tell the staff member greeting guests outside or at the information desk; they will make sure your accommodations are ready.

Lunches 

The museum's Atrium Café is available for groups to purchase food during their visit. The most up-to-date information on the operating status, hours, and offerings can be found on the Dining & Shopping page.  

Café seating is reserved for visitors who purchase food and brown bag lunches may not be eaten within the museum.  

We do not offer storage or eating facilities for brown bag lunches inside the museum, and all food and drink must be in sealed containers if being brought into the museum. 

Programming or Experiences 

We are not currently accepting reservation requests for private, in-person experiences for groups visiting the museum — this includes educator-led classroom programs, guided tours, or the Butterfly Pavilion.  

For student groups interested in programming while not at the museum, we offer live, online video programs virtually led by museum educators that are aligned with standards for Grades K-12. To view these options and sign up, browse our Digital School Programs page. 

Plan your Route 

The museum has a large footprint and it is easy to get disoriented or lost. We recommend printing museum maps for your group. Get printable museum maps here.  

Request Accessibility Accommodations 

The museum's entrances, exhibitions, and restrooms are fully accessible. See our accessibility page for specific amenities.  

To avoid crowds ... 

The best time to plan a quieter visit is during the winter months (January and February). If you plan a visit for the spring months (March through June), which are very crowded, your group may require extra supervision and you might require additional time for your visit.