Visitor Guidelines

Museum Guidelines

Please help us preserve and protect artifacts, specimens, and exhibits.

• Refrain from climbing on display areas and from touching artifacts or specimens. Oil from fingers may damage fabric surfaces.

• Eating and drinking are prohibited in the museum

• Tobacco products are not permitted anywhere in the building

• Any and all weapons are not permitted in the museum or on its grounds

• Animals and pets, except for trained service animals, are prohibited from entering the museum

• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times

• Please limit the use of cellular phones in the galleries as a courtesy to other visitors

• Please observe our photography guidelines

Additional guidelines for visitors can be found within the Code of Conduct and Visitor Policy.

Photography

While at the Museum of Chemistry, visitors may be photographed by museum personnel. These images and videos may be used for the purpose of promoting the museum.

General Visitors (Personal Photography)

• Flash photography is permitted for private, noncommercial use only. Photographs may not be published, sold, reproduced, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner

• Photography must be conducted without disruption to museum operations or limitation to the accessibility of exhibitions, entrances/exits, doorways, and high traffic areas

• Please do not move furniture, rugs, or other museum property

Professional Photography (Weddings, Graduations, Dances, Groups)

• All professional photography sessions require approval from the Visitor Services staff at least 48 hours in advance

• First preference of spaces will be given to visitors and guests who have rented space within the Museum of Chemistry

• Studio equipment is not allowed. Photographers may bring a camera and tripod

• Photography must be conducted without disruption to museum operations or limitation to the accessibility of exhibitions, entrances/exits, doorways, and high traffic areas. Pathways must not be blocked at any time. If you are not certain of the locations of these areas, please ask our staff. Electrical cords are not permitted across public walkway areas

• Moving or standing on museum furniture is not allowed, and ladders are not allowed for photo shoots

• Please do not move furniture, rugs, or other museum property

• All photography shoots are limited to 30 total minutes in the museum, including the gathering time of the party. After hours rentals are available by contacting the Visitor Services office

• All photography shoots are limited to parties of 20 or less, including photographer(s)

• You are welcome to bring flowers into public areas. To help protect artifacts and exhibits, live flowers are not allowing within the museum galleries. The bridal party and/or photographer are expected to clear the space of excessive dropping petals, feathers, glitter, and any water used for flower

• Balloons are not allowed in the Museum of Chemistry. Props and decor must be approved in advance by the Visitor Services office

• Use of curling irons, straightening irons, and hairspray are not permitted in the public areas. Public restrooms are available

• Groups being photographed and photographers are expected to be courteous to museum visitors

• The coat room should be used for personal property. Coats, flowers, photography props, and other items are not be placed on the floor which may obstruct visitor traffic. We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items

• Photographers, models, and subjects agree to follow any additional instructions from the Museum of Chemistry staff.

Commercial and Media Photography

Professional photographers must arrange prior approval for all editorial and commercial photography, filming, or videotaping at the Museum of Chemistry. Members of the media may photograph or film within designated areas for the purpose of news coverage. All commercial photographers and members of the media must make arrangements with the Communications team.

The Museum of Chemistry reserves the right to change these guidelines subject to the ongoing schedule of programs.