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