Visitor Guidelines

We strive to create a welcoming and respectful environment for all visitors. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, we ask visitors to adhere to the following Code of Conduct. The New York Historical reserves the right to refuse or revoke admission to any visitor who violates this policy.

Any behavior that poses a risk to visitors, staff, or collections is strictly prohibited.
Firearms, weapons, and hazardous materials are strictly prohibited.
Interaction with staff and other visitors must be cordial and respectful at all times.
Harassment, discrimination, or any form of abusive, threatening, or offensive behavior—whether verbal, physical, or written—is strictly prohibited and will result in removal from the premises.
Running, rough play, excessive noise, or disruptive behavior is prohibited.
Charitable solicitations, leafleting, petitioning, picketing, unauthorized photography, and press conferences by visitors are prohibited.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside and in all outdoor areas of the museum, including entrances.

Prohibited Items

To ensure the safety of our visitors, staff, and collections, the following items are strictly prohibited:

Any weapon, including but not limited to firearms, knives, or other sharp objects
Explosives, fireworks, sparklers, or any flammable, combustible or hazardous materials
Clothing or insignia with obscene, discriminatory, or threatening images or language
Spray cans, aerosol cans, or paint
Banners
Laser pointers
Selfie sticks
Electric scooters (except mobility scooters)
Only ADA-compliant service animals are permitted inside the Museum. They must remain leashed, harnessed, or under handler control at all times. Pets, emotional support animals, and other non-service animals are not allowed.
Any item deemed by Security to pose a risk to visitors, staff, or collections may be restricted or denied entry.

Photography Policy

Visitors may take personal, non-commercial photos of our permanent collection and in designated areas. Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and stabilizing equipment are prohibited throughout the museum. Video or audio recording of films, programs, and exhibitions is strictly prohibited.

In the Galleries

Do not touch objects, artwork, or cases.
The use of laser pointers is prohibited.
No cellphone calls, radios, or audio without headphones.
Keep voices low and be mindful of others.
Sketching is allowed with graphite pencil only. Pens, colored pencils, markers, crayons, charcoal, and other writing or drawing tools are strictly prohibited.
Sitting on floors, stairs, or blocking pathways is not permitted.
Children under 13 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
Food and beverages are not allowed, except bottled water with closed caps.

Coat Check Policy

All bags are subject to security inspection. The museum reserves the right to decide what can and cannot be checked in.

Bags larger than 11 x 14 inches and backpacks must be checked in our complimentary coat check. Suitcases of any size are not permitted.
Umbrellas must be checked or placed in a protective bag provided by the museum.
Wheelchairs are available upon request. A limited number of wheelchairs may be reserved in advance by calling (212) 873-3400 ext. 369.
High-value personal items cannot be checked. This includes items such as laptops, cellphones, wallets, bicycles, musical instruments, and perishables.
Collapsible strollers may be checked on a first-come, first-served basis. Our galleries are stroller-friendly.
Lost & Found: The museum is not responsible for items left overnight. For lost items, please call (212) 873-3400 ext. 369 or visit the coat check.

Consequences for Violating This Code of Conduct

Visitors who violate this Code of Conduct may:

Be asked to leave immediately without a refund.
Face a temporary or permanent ban from the Museum.
Be reported to law enforcement if their behavior poses a security threat.

Museum Security and Visitor Services staff have full discretion to enforce these policies.