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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Visitor Tips

Prepare for Security

We are committed to visitor safety and have security measures in place to keep you and Museum objects protected. When you arrive at the Museum you can expect a full security screening similar to what you might experience at the airport, except you can keep your shoes and belts on.

  • Firearms or ammunition
  • Knives (including pen, pocket or "Swiss Army"-style knives)
  • Aerosol cans (including pepper spray and Mace)
  • Scissors
  • Tools (screwdrivers, awls, etc.)
  • Placards, signs, or banners
  • Pets (except service animals)
  • Wagons (collapsible and fixed wheel)
  • Tripods
  • Monopods
  • Selfie sticks
  • Skateboards or Scooters
  • E-cigarettes
  • Strollers
  • Cameras
  • Mobility aids (canes, walkers, etc.)
  • Service animals. Not emotional support animals.
  • Bottled water

Check the Smithsonian's security policy for the most up-to-date information.

The Security Office is located on the Ground Floor in the north (Constitution Avenue) lobby next to the elevators.

Bag Lunches

Seating for bagged lunches is not currently available. Bagged lunches must be stowed away at all times while visiting the museum and must be eaten outside of the museum. The museum has no refrigerated storage for lunches.

Pets

Pets (except service animals) are not permitted in the museum. Emotional support animals are not permitted in the museum.

Photography

The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use only in its museums and exhibitions, unless otherwise posted. For the safety of our visitors and collections, the use of tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks is not permitted at any time. Working members of the media who need to use a tripod or monopod must obtain permission from the museum’s Press Office and must be escorted by a museum staff member while in the building.

Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed, or recorded by the Smithsonian for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on the Smithsonian’s and other public websites.

Wi-Fi

The museum provides free Wi-Fi access; choose the "si-visitor" network on your device. No password necessary. This is a public, unsecured network.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all Smithsonian facilities. This includes e-cigarettes.

Health & Safety Guidelines

Masks are not currently required to visit. While not required, all visitors who feel more comfortable wearing a face mask during their visit are encouraged to do so.

Our current health and safety measures are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local governments. These measures may change in response to changing CDC COVID-19 Community Levels, so we encourage visitors to regularly check our website before their visit for the latest guidelines.

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