Museum Use & Operating Policies

Science Museum Campus Policies

• The Green is available to the public daily from dawn until dusk.
  • Activities outside of this time require approval three business days in advance. If you would like to submit a request, complete the request form, which will be reviewed by our Special Events Team. Activities are not permitted to take place without approval from the Science Museum.
• Gatherings/demonstrations are permitted under the following conditions:
  • Gatherings/demonstrations of 10 or fewer attendees must be approved three business days in advance. Gatherings of more than 10 people must be approved five business days in advance.
  • To request permission for a gathering/demonstration, complete the Gathering/Demonstration Request Form, which will be reviewed by our Security Team. Gatherings/demonstrations are not permitted to take place without Science Museum approval.
  • Once approved, gatherings/demonstrations must be held in the designated area listed on the attached map.
  • Authorization for the use of the Science Museum campus can be refused if there is reason to believe that the organization requesting approval is organized, functioning or conducting business in violation of Virginia law.
• Except for approved functions, vehicular drives, parking lots and pedestrian walkways must remain open for movement at all times during public operating hours.
• Dogs are welcome on The Green. Owners are responsible for prompt removal of animal waste and ensuring dogs are leashed and under the owner’s control at all times. Service animals, as defined by state and federal law, are permitted on Science Museum grounds and inside the building.
• Bicycles are permitted on roadways, sidewalks or pathways that do not have steps. Bicycles are not permitted on grass areas. Please note that pedestrians have the right of way, and when pedestrians are present, bicyclists should dismount and walk.
• Scooters are permitted on vehicular drives and parking lots only.
• Skateboards, in-line skates and roller skates are not permitted on the art sculpture Cosmic Perception or in the parking deck.
• Music that is audible to other guests is prohibited, unless it is a part of Science Museum programming.
• Drones are prohibited, unless they are a part of Science Museum programming.
• Please do not bring tables or tents. Large props and decorative objects are not allowed.

While at the Science Museum 

• Public hours of operation can be found on our Hours and Schedule page. Public hours may be extended for Science Museum programming. Private event rentals are not open to the public. Unauthorized persons found after posted closing times are subject to removal and further legal action.
• Appropriate attire, including shirt and shoes, is required. Please refrain from wearing clothing with adult language or that depicts adult situations.
• Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes are not permitted.
• Eating and drinking are not permitted in Science Museum exhibitions. Please use the designated tables when enjoying refreshments. 
• Guests may bring refillable bottles. Open containers are not permitted. All drink holders/bottles must have a lid that contains the fluid. 
• Guests cannot block walkways or access points.
• Guests may not solicit or provide materials for, or otherwise promote or solicit, other organizations or causes without Science Museum approval.
• The following items are prohibited:
  • Outside wine/beer/alcohol
  • Balloons
  • Weapons/firearms (except carried by qualified law enforcement)
  • Knives/blades longer than 3.5 inches
  • Clubs, hammers, martial arts devices and related items
  • Flammable liquids and gases of more than 0.5 oz
  • Fireworks, ammunition, explosive devices and related materials
  • Paint and related marking materials, spray cans and other aerosols
  • Other items deemed dangerous, suspicious or inappropriate by Science Museum personnel
• Scooters and other wheeled toys/vehicles are not permitted. However, mobility devices designed to aid a person with a disability are permitted.
• Please observe the age restrictions in LightPlace, our space for early learners ages five and younger.
• Be respectful of other guests. Please recognize if there is a line for a popular experience and share the science fun!
• Guests are expected to behave in a courteous, respectful and family friendly manner. If a staff member observes inappropriate or disruptive behavior, the Science Museum reserves the right to ask a guest to leave.

Violations of the above policies may result in removal from the Science Museum building or campus.

Admission

• It’s recommended that everyone – including Science Museum members – pre-purchase tickets online before arriving.
• Beginning May 1, 2025, guests who purchase admission tickets online before their visit will receive a $1 discount on each ticket purchased. The discount will be applied to the cart total at checkout. Please note, online discounts do not apply for special programming events.
• Members should log in with their email and password before adding tickets to your cart to receive the member discount.
• When you arrive, head to Guest Services. Even if you pre-purchased tickets online, all guests, including members, must have their tickets scanned before heading into the Science Museum.
• Guests who qualify for teacher or military discounts must provide valid ID to Guest Services to receive discounted admission.
• Families wishing to purchase tickets under our Museums for All program must do so in person at Guest Services by showing proof of financial assistance.
• Please follow the directed flow to check in at the Science Museum. We’ve got this down to a science – get it? – to help ensure a quick and smooth check-in process.
• If you or anyone in your party is feeling ill on the day of your visit, please reschedule your visit once everyone in your party is feeling well.
• Photography and videography is taken at the Science Museum for marketing purposes. If you do not wish to appear in imagery, please notify Guest Services upon arrival.

So there you have it: some of the ins and outs of how the Science Museum runs. Please be sure to check out all the things you can do at the Science Museum as well as accessibility information before your visit. Until you join us in person, you can start your STEM discovery at home with some of our digital content.

Updated July 2025