Building Policies

The health and safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers are our highest priority. To help reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, the Museum is open with visitor requirements and safety measures in place. Free timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Museum’s Permanent Exhibition only. Tickets are not required for Daniel's Story and other special exhibitions.

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

• 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?

In the Museum building, you may not:

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

• Use selfie sticks or tripods to take photos

• Smoke any product (including e-cigarettes), this includes areas within 25 feet of Museum entrances

• Protest or demonstrate on Museum property or display or carry placards, signs, or banners

• Destroy, damage, or remove property

• 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; please respect the dignity of our space.

• Loiter, sleep, or participate in unauthorized assemblies

• Engage in disorderly conduct

• 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 commercial or charitable purposes

• 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

  • Knives with a blade longer than 2.5 inches

  • Mace, tear gas, or pepper spray

  • Razors or box cutters

• Coolers of any size

• Wagons, Segways, bicycles, skateboards, or scooters (powered or manual)

• Any flags on poles or sticks that do not fit into a backpack

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

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 in a burgundy jacket, and they will help you out.

What should I do if there's an emergency?

If there is an emergency, please listen to the Museum Special Police Officers, staff members in burgundy jackets, or staff Wardens wearing orange fluorescent or reflective vests.  

To report an emergency, or suspicious item or activity, please immediately inform the nearest Special Police Officer or staff member in a burgundy jacket.