Visitor FAQs

Purchasing Tickets and Passes

• +  -   What are my options for purchasing tickets?

  Members: We are not requiring members to book timed tickets in advance at this time. If you do wish to reserve timed tickets in advance, or use any of your bonus passes, you may do so online at mos.org/tickets, or over the phone by calling 617-589-0180 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. You must be logged into your membership account to reserve tickets online. Learn more about your online account, and how to use electronic bonus passes here.

  Nonmembers: All visitors must reserve / purchase a timed ticket. Advanced reservations are required. Nonmember tickets can be reserved / purchased online at www.mos.org/tickets or over the phone 617-723-2500. Capacity is limited to allow for safe distancing, so it is strongly recommended that you reserve / purchase your tickets ahead of your visit. Once capacity is reached, we will be unable to allow entry to any more guests.

  Admission price is: $29 for adults, $24 children ages (3 – 11), please know that children under 3 are free; however, still require a timed ticket and $25, seniors.

  Employees of Corporate Members: Employees of corporate members with “show & go” access will need to call science central 617-723-2500, during regular business hours, in order to reserve tickets. Employees of corporate members who have paper passes in their possession can reserve tickets by going to mos.org/redeem and entering the code on their paper passes, OR they can call science central, 617-723-2500, to reserve. For more details on corporate membership or to find information regarding Museum benefits for employees of corporate members, please visit: www.mos.org/corporate-membership.

• +  -   Is the Museum accepting free / discounted admissions?

  The Museum is offering limited free or discounted admissions, which include, Exhibit Halls passes issued by the Museum, MA WIC / EBT/ Healthcare Connector Card, US Active Duty Military, Corporate Membership (with corporate ID), Library Passes, Wonderfund, and Boston CityPASS (visit mos.org/ways-to-save for more information).

  The Museum also participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) reciprocal program and Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) passport program. Our members can use their membership card for free or discounted admission to nearly 500 zoos, aquariums and science centers worldwide. Members of participating institutions must call ahead to reserve timed tickets. To find out more about our Reciprocal Admission program, visit mos.org/reciprocity.

  Museum capacity is limited to allow for safe distancing so timed tickets are required. It is recommended that you make your reservation in advance of your visit. To reserve a timed ticket, please call 617-723-2500 and be ready to describe the type of free or discounted pass you have. Once your tickets are reserved, you will receive a ticket confirmation via email. Please have your confirmation as well any required verification of your free or discounted purchase that may apply, available to present at the Exhibit Halls entrance.

Booking Tickets Online or over the Phone

• +  -   The date I want to visit on is sold out, can I purchase tickets when I get there?

  No. All tickets must be purchased in advance of your visit. This allows us to manage occupancy to maintain safe distancing for the safety of our staff and other visitors. We strongly recommend making your reservation ahead of your visit. If tickets are sold out for a given day, please select another date to visit. You can reserve your tickets online, 24 hours a day, by visiting mos.org/tickets or by calling 617-723-2500, during regular business hours, in order to secure your date and time.

• +  -   Can I reserve tickets for a group visit or field trip?

  School Field Trips are currently available. While the Museum is following the current City-wide vaccination requirement, this does not apply to students (pre-kindergarten through grade 12) participating in public and non-public school trips. For more details please read the update in Field Trips

Planning Your Visit

The Museum has been transformed to offer a safe, fun experience for visitors, but that does mean some things have changed. Learn more on what you can expect when you visit the Museum.

• +  -   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, and to preserve that opportunity, we ask all visitors to be respectful of each other and commit to these behaviors while in the Museum. Before visiting the Museum, please read the Code of Conduct

• +  -   Are you requiring proof of vaccination?

  In accordance with the current City-wide vaccination requirement, you must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter the Museum (this includes private and Museum sponsored events) see our Code of Conduct for details.

  We are unable to provide any exemptions for visitors who are unvaccinated. (The City of Boston proof of vaccination requirement does not apply to students participating in school-sponsored trips. Learn more at mos.org/field-trips)

• +  -   When I show proof of Vaccination do I need to show ID?

  No. You are only required to show proof that you are vaccinated.

• +  -   What if I have misplaced my vaccination card?

  The following proof of vaccination is accepted:

  • a CDC vaccination card
  • a digital image of your CDC card
  • an image or printout of any official immunization record
  • a City-designated app containing a digital image of any official immunization record, or any verification application developed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or developed or endorsed by the City of Boston.
• +  -   If I cannot be vaccinated for medical, religious or other reasons can I still enter the Museum?

  At this time, we are unable to provide any exemptions for visitors who are unvaccinated.

• +  -   If I cannot attend the Museum currently, do you have resources I can access?

  Yes, for those who are unable to visit the Museum at this time, please find below a list of resources that can be accessed online:  

  • Virtual Exhibits
  • Project Vaccine
  • Family STEM Learning Activities
  • Sparks of Science Videos
  • Subspace, Town Halls, MOS en Espanol and Other Videos
  • Podcasts
• +  -   If I am unable to meet the vaccination requirement, will you refund my ticket?

  Yes. If you have purchased a ticket for January 15th or later, please contact us at 617-723-2500.

• +  -   Is there a time limit on my Exhibit Halls admission ticket?

  Please arrive as close as possible to your designated entry time. If you arrive early, please wait in your car or outside until your time. Once you enter the Exhibit Halls, your ticket is valid until the end of that business day.

• +  -   Will I have to wait in line to enter the Museum?

  Yes, however, we ask that you do not arrive until your designated entry time. You will enter a queue that is configured in a way to maintain safe distancing between parties. The queue is located in our main lobby.

• +  -   Will your garage be open?

  Yes, the garage will be open on a first-come, first-served basis. More details on directions and parking can be found on our website at https://www.mos.org/visit/directions-and-parking.

• +  -   Have any exhibits been removed and/or venues will be closed when you reopen?

  Our Museum Exhibits team has thoroughly reviewed every exhibit component and as a result, the Discovery Center and the Suit/Cabot Lab are currently closed.

  The Museum is very excited to introduce several new exhibits as part of Exhibit Halls admission as well. Visit our Exhibits page to learn about new exhibits at the Museum, including two new permanent exhibits Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology, and Engineering Design Workshop, Powered by MathWorks.

• +  -   Is the cafe open?

  The Riverview Café serves a selection of food every day. For more information on food service, see our cafe page.

  Please maintain one group per dining table.  We encourage all guests to wear masks except when actively eating or drinking. There is a maximum 45 minute time limit per table.

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

  Please note: Consuming food in the Exhibit Halls is not permitted.

• +  -   Will the Museum store be open?

  Our store is open Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• +  -   Do you have food vending machines?

  Yes, the Museum vending machines are available.

• +  -   Can I bring in my own food?

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

• +  -   Can I leave the Museum and then re-enter?

  Yes, you will be required to show your confirmation again for re-entry, so please have it ready.

• +  -   Are strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters available?

  Yes, these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see the information Desk for assistance. These amenities will be disinfected between each use.

• +  -   Are there lockers or a coatroom?

  Lockers will be available for a small fee.

4-D Theater

• +  -   What health and safety practices can I expect in the 4-D Theater?

  Capacity is limited to allow socially distanced seating. 3-D glasses are disinfected with an EPA approved product between each use. Disposable glasses are available upon request. Special effects have been evaluated and modified for your health and safety.

Museum Health and Safety

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, and to preserve that opportunity, we ask all of our visitors to be respectful of each other and commit to these behaviors while in the Museum.

Click here to see our Visitor Code of Conduct

• +  -   Do I need to wear a face covering or mask?

  The Museum requires that all visitors 2 years of age and older wear a face covering/mask.

• +  -   I've been vaccinated, do I have to wear a mask?

  Regardless of your vaccination status the Museum requires that all visitors 2 years of age and older wear a face covering/mask.

• +  -   What if I have a heath condition, preventing me from wearing a mask or face covering?

  The following persons are exempt from the face coverings requirement:

  • Persons for whom a face mask or covering creates a health risk or is not safe because of any of the following conditions or circumstances:

  • the face mask or covering affects the person’s ability to breathe safely;

  • the person has a mental health or other medical diagnosis that advises against wearing a face mask or covering;

  • the person has a disability that prevents them from wearing a face mask or covering; or

  • the person depends on supplemental oxygen to breathe.

  If you have any questions about this policy, please visit our accessibility page or contact our accessibility coordinator at accessibility@mos.org

• +  -   Are you providing any exemptions for unvaccinated visitors?

  No. At this time, we are unable to provide any exemptions for visitors who are unvaccinated.

• +  -   What are your contact tracing measures?

  In accordance with the safety guidelines set forth for museums and cultural institutions, the Museum will collect contact information from all visiting household parties at point of ticket purchase. This information will be maintained to support potential contact tracing.

• +  -   Do you have hand sanitizer stations?

  Yes, there are stations located throughout the Museum.

• +  -   How are you maintaining safe distancing and wearing of masks / face coverings with your visitors?

  The Museum has established a Visitor Code of Conduct that outlines prudent practices we will encourage from our visitors. By reserving tickets or visiting the Museum of Science, visitors agree to comply to the requirements of visitor expectations and visitor safety as explained in the code of conduct.

  In addition, all staff have attended Covid-19 health and safety training and will serve as safety ambassadors throughout the Museum to encourage prudent practices that ensure the safety of our staff and visitors. Further, the Museum is maintaining limited capacities to provide an environment in which all unvaccinated visitors can continue to follow recommended CDC precautions.

• +  -   What are your cleaning and disinfection protocols?

  We have implemented enhanced protocols and procedures to help ensure the safety of guests, employees, volunteers and, of course, our animals.

Member FAQs

For answers to more frequently asked questions about visiting the Museum, visit our FAQ page

If you are an employee of a Corporate Member, you can contact corpmemb@mos.org with any additional questions.

• +  -   I'm a Museum of Science member, do I need to reserve timed tickets?

  No, we are not requiring members to book timed tickets in advance at this time. If you do wish to reserve timed tickets in advance, or use any of your bonus passes, you may do so online at mos.org/tickets, or over the phone by calling 617-589-0180 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. You must be logged into your membership account to reserve tickets online. Learn more about your online account, and how to use electronic bonus passes here.

• +  -   I'm an employee of a corporate member, how do I reserve tickets?

  Corporate member employees who have "Show & Go" access by showing a company ID will need to call Science Central 617-723-2500, during regular business hours, to make a reservation. Corporate member employees who have individual, single-use passes will need to visit mos.org/redeem to make a reservation. The Museum’s Corporate Relations team will share additional information and instructions specific to your company's corporate membership. Feel free to email corpmemb@mos.org with any questions.

• +  -   Will member bonus passes be honored?

  Yes, member bonus passes will be honored. Please keep in mind that due to current public health guidance, we recommend visiting the Museum with members of your household only. You may use your Exhibit Halls passes to reserve additional tickets if your group needs more admissions than your membership level allows or you may give your passes to friends to visit on their own.

• +  -   Will the Museum still offer live presentations including the show in the Theater of Electricity?

  Yes, we will be offering select live presentations in Cahners Theater, as well as Lightning! in our Theater of Electricity. Admission to these shows will be available on a first come, first served basis.

• +  -   Will member parking rates still apply at the Museum garage?

  Yes, member parking rates will still apply. You will need to bring your garage ticket inside to pay at the automated kiosks. Your parking discount will be applied when you scan your membership card at the kiosk.

• +  -   Have any exhibits been removed and / or venues will be closed when you reopen?

  Our Museum Exhibits team has thoroughly reviewed every exhibit component and as a result, the Discovery Center and the Suit/Cabot Lab are currently closed.

  The Museum is very excited to introduce several new exhibits as part of Exhibit Halls admission as well. Visit our Exhibits page to learn about new exhibits at the Museum, including two new permanent exhibits Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology, and Engineering Design Workshop, Powered by MathWorks.

• +  -   Will there be temperature checks or other health screenings for visitors before entry to the Museum is allowed?

  There will not be temperature checks for guests. All Museum staff participate in daily health screenings before they arrive to work. Visitors are asked to self-screen at home and stay home if unwell. Please read the Visitor Code of Conduct prior to your visit.

• +  -   Will my membership expiration date be extended for the time you were closed?

  Memberships were extended for 4 months following our first closure in 2020. We will be communicating information to members in the coming weeks regarding options for the December 17, 2020 - February 8, 2021 closure.

  If you renewed your membership prior to April 2020 you will still have your old expiration date on your cards. We are not reprinting these membership cards to keep costs controlled in this unique time. Membership expiration dates have been updated from our initial closure and will be updated before your membership hits its original expiration date. You can log into your account to see your current membership information, including expiration date.

• +  -   Do my reciprocal admission benefits still apply?

  Before visiting another organization in the AZA and ASTC networks please check the organization’s web site and call them to see if they are still offering reciprocal admission to other institution’s members. Due to reduced capacity and need for timed tickets, some organizations, including the Museum of Science, are suspending participation in this program. Please also keep in mind that most organizations are managing a lot of changes right now and their websites may not be updated, so it is best to call if possible.