Visitor Code of Conduct

At the Museum of Science, the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors is our number one priority. The Museum has developed a new set of routines and requirements to help ensure we do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

A visit to the Museum should be an enjoyable and memorable experience. To preserve that opportunity, we expect everyone to be respectful of each other, and be considerate of the multitude of views and opinions that are different from your own.

By reserving tickets and visiting the Museum of Science, you are agreeing to comply with the Massachusetts travel order and the following requirements for visitor conduct.

Stay Home if Unwell

If you or anyone in your party is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have recently been in contact with someone confirmed, suspected, or showing signs of COVID-19, please stay home.

All Staff and Visitors Must Wear (CDC Recommended) Face Coverings / Masks

All visitors 5 years of age and older will be required to wear a CDC recommended face covering/mask during their visit to the Museum of Science. The Museum requests that all visitors under the age of 5, but over the age of 2 wear a face covering if able. Recommended face coverings/masks should be at least two layers thick. Face coverings/masks must be worn at all times fully covering both the nose and mouth.

In accordance with CDC recommendations, masks with unfiltered exhalation valves or vents are not permitted to be worn at the Museum.

Scientific evidence shows cloth face coverings/masks are a critical preventive measure for stopping the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings/masks help reduce the amount of droplets that you emit when you are speaking, breathing, or exhaling.

If you need to replace your mask while onsite, complimentary disposable masks are available at the Information Desk and box office or reusable masks are available for purchase in the Museum store.

Maintain Safe Distance

While face coverings are a critical measure for stopping the spread of the virus, they don’t replace safe distancing. This is why it’s important to stay more than 6 feet away from others as much as possible.

Safe distancing of 6 feet must be maintained, except for those who self-identify as a household group, and may visit the Museum in a group of under 10 people.
Keep your household group together as you move through the Museum.
Please respect safe distancing signage found throughout the Museum.
Be mindful of safe distancing while experiencing our exhibits. Don’t forget to “Stop, Scan, and Scrub." Stop as you enter exhibit galleries. Scan around to gauge if you can maintain safe distancing while in the gallery. Scrub (or sanitize) your hands before and after you visit a gallery space.

Wash Your Hands Frequently and Thoroughly

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Reserve Your Timed Ticket in Advance

All visitors must reserve admission tickets in advance for Exhibit Halls, shows, and special exhibitions with timed entries.
All visitors, including members and children under the age of 3, are required to reserve a timed admission ticket online or by phone before visiting. Museum capacity will be limited and Exhibit Halls, shows, and special exhibition tickets will be reserved according to timed entries. Once capacity is reached, we will be unable to allow entry to any more guests.

Eating at the Museum

Starting April 17 the Riverview Café will serve a selection of food from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. every day. For more information on food service, see our cafe page.

One household group is permitted per dining table and all guests must wear masks at all times, except when actively eating or drinking. There is a maximum of 6 people allowed per table for a 45-minute time limit.

Due to current regulations, café seating is reserved for café patrons. Visitors who prefer to bring in food are welcome to consume it on the front plaza outside or at the picnic tables behind the Museum.

Please note: Food is not permitted in the Exhibit Halls.

Follow Wayfinding, Directional Signage Where Indicated Throughout the Museum

To maintain safe distancing throughout the Museum, one-way directional flow has been instituted in some areas. Please respect all directional flow where indicated.

Be polite and stay to the right. Where directional flow is not indicated, we ask that you follow this simple practice to ensure maximum safe distancing at all times.

Respect Elevator/Escalator Usage

Please keep elevators open for visitors who are not able to use the stairs. If you are able to use stairs, please do so. Stairs are located throughout the Museum.
Museum elevators are restricted to one household group at a time. Note there are One Way signs on some of the elevators. Please respect these signs and follow signage to another route.
Do not pass others on the escalators and respect safe distancing signage.

Respect Your Fellow Visitors

We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone. The Museum does not tolerate discrimination or any form of unlawful harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment. Accordingly, the Museum absolutely prohibits harassment or discrimination based on ability, age, color, ethnicity, race, family or marital status, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy and related medical conditions, language, national origin, political affiliation, religion, socioeconomic status, veteran status, health status, and other dimensions of diversity.

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