What is the best time to visit?
What can my group do at the Museum?
How many chaperones does my group need?
What parking facilities are available and where are they located?
What happens when my group arrives at the Museum?
Is the Museum accessible to persons with disabilities?
Where can my group eat lunch?
Where can my group purchase a meal?
Can my group purchase souvenirs?
Rules for visiting groups

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

The Museum is least crowded from October through February. Museum Hours

WHAT CAN MY GROUP DO AT THE MUSEUM?

• The Museum offers free, hands-on programs daily. No registration required. Program Descriptions & Times
• Download, print, and bring curriculum-based Exhibit Hall Activities for your students and chaperones to use during your visit.

WHAT PARKING FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE AND WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED?
Parking for cars is nearby; bus parking is available on Blue Ridge Road, near the North Carolina Museum of Art.
Map and Directions (PDF)
Map and Directions (Google Maps)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY GROUP ARRIVES AT THE MUSEUM?
The group should remain outside while the group leader registers at the Information Desk in the Museum lobby. Museum staff will greet the group outside to review the rules and other pertinent information. Chaperones will receive a Visitor’s Guide and Map, Rules for Visiting School Groups, and a chaperone badge.

IS THE MUSEUM ACCESSIBLE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES?
The Museum offers assistive devices, services, and other accommodations for persons with disabilities. For information, contact the curator of special populations, 919.733.7450, ext. 525 (TTY 919.715.6464). Requests for special accommodations should be made at least two weeks prior to your visit.

WHERE CAN MY GROUP EAT LUNCH?
The Museum does not have an indoor area where school groups can eat. For information on picnic locations in the capital area, contact the Capital Area Visitor Services toll free at 1.866.SCH.TOUR. Limited storage for coolers and lunches is available at the Museum. Please pack individual lunches in a large container. The Museum is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

WHERE CAN MY GROUP PURCHASE A MEAL?
The Museum’s Acro Café serves food and drinks to individuals and family groups. To meet the needs of school groups, the Acro Café offers the opportunity to pre-order healthy take-out bag lunches at a discount. For menu options, prices, and ordering information, e-mail the Acro Cafe.

For additional dining options, contact the Capital Area Visitor Services toll free at 1.866.SCH.TOUR.

CAN MY GROUP PURCHASE SOUVENIRS?
Museum Store
Monday–Saturday, 9:00 am–4:45 pm;
Sunday, noon–4:45 pm
The Museum Store offers nature-related books, games, toys, and gifts. No time to shop? At least two weeks prior to your visit, order gift bags for your students. The Museum Store is operated by the Friends of the Museum; all proceeds benefit the Museum. For more information, contact the Museum Store at 919.733.7450, ext. 369.

RULES FOR VISITING GROUPS

• Form a line outside. Group leader must register in the lobby prior to entry. Groups should not gather in front of elevators, escalators, or doors.
• Teachers and chaperones are responsible for the conduct of their groups. Students must be under direct adult supervision at all times while in the building, including the Museum Store and escalators.
• Please use the escalators. Elevators are available for persons with disabilities. Stairs are for emergency use only.
• Touch exhibits only where permitted. Never tap on exhibits where live animals are kept.
• Students must use "inside voices". Encourage students to listen for the many natural sounds in the exhibits (whale songs, bird calls, frog choruses, etc.).
• No food, gum, or drink is permitted in the exhibit halls.

Museum Floor Plan

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