Building Policies

What can I do at the Museum?

At the Museum, you can:

• Learn about the Holocaust and genocide

• Listen to Holocaust survivors share their stories

• Take photographs (without flash) of what you see for non-commercial purposes

• Reflect on what you see and be respectful of your fellow visitors

• Join the conversation on social media using @holocaustmuseum and #ushmm

What can I not do at the Museum?

To respect the dignity of the Museum as a living memorial, and for the safety and comfort of all of our guests, in the Museum building, you may not:

• Eat or drink, except as medically necessary; you may drink water from capped bottles

• Use selfie sticks, tripods, or flash to take photos

• Smoke any product (including e-cigarettes) or use smokeless tobacco, including within 25 feet of Museum entrances

• Display or carry placards, signs, banners, flags, barriers, or balloons or otherwise treat the Museum as a public forum by protesting or demonstrating

• Destroy, damage, or remove property

• Touch any Museum collection item 

• Climb on any part of the building or exhibitions

• Engage in gambling activities

• Use loud, abusive, or otherwise improper language, or perform or engage in obscene or indecent acts

• Loiter or sleep 

• Engage in disorderly, harassing, or illegal conduct or create any hazard to any person or thing 

• Use, possess, or sell illegal drugs

• Bring dogs or other animals, except for service animals

• Take photographs for advertising or commercial purposes

• Solicit or advertise for any purpose

• Chain, lock, or attach in any way any self-mobility device (bicycles, scooters, Segways, etc.) to any object on Museum property (Museum staff will remove these items and may destroy the attaching device.)

What is not allowed in the Museum?

For your comfort and safety, and the comfort and safety of all our visitors, staff, and volunteers, you may not bring onto Museum property:

• Aerosol containers or non-aerosol sprays (prescriptions for medical needs are permitted)

• Weapons, including:

  • Electric stun guns, martial arts weapons, or similar devices

  • Guns, replica guns, or ammunition

  • Explosives of any kind, including fireworks and sparklers

  • All knives (including pocket/pen knives of any length)

  • Mace, tear gas, or pepper spray and other weapons 

  • Razors or box cutters

• Coolers of any size

• Wagons, Segways, bicycles, skateboards, or scooters (powered or manual), unless used as an accessibility or mobility aide

• Placards, signs, posters, banners, flags, barriers, or balloons

Oversized objects, such as briefcases, suitcases, etc., and umbrellas, canes (not needed to assist in walking), or other objects capable of inflicting damage to property or exhibits may be checked with Visitor Services at the Coat Check.

Are animals permitted?

Service animals are permitted on Museum property at all times. Other animals are not permitted.

Where can I nurse my child?

You may nurse your child anywhere in the Museum. If you would like a semi-private room in which to do so, see a staff member.

What should I do if there’s an emergency?

If there is an emergency, please listen to the Museum Security Officers, staff members, or staff wardens wearing orange fluorescent or reflective vests.  

To report an emergency, or suspicious item or activity, please immediately inform the nearest Museum Security Officer or staff member.

Please abide by all instructions when visiting the Museum, including those posted on the Museum’s website and premises, as well as any instructions provided by staff during your visit. If you fail to follow the Museum’s instructions, please note that you may be denied entry or required to leave the premises.

Updated: June 7, 2024