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Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I plan to spend at the museum?
A typical museum visit can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your level of interest and how much time you spend reading exhibit text.
Where can I eat at the museum?
The museum does not have a café. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants nearby in Augusta and the surrounding cities of Hallowell and Gardiner, Maine. Here is a link for more information: https://www.augustamaine.com/restaurants
Another option is the Cross Office Building, located just behind the Maine State House, which has vending machines.
Food brought from home can be eaten in the Cultural Building Atrium or outside at one of the many picnic tables located around the State House grounds. Capitol Park, located across the street from the State House, is another great picnic option.
To protect the collections and exhibitions, please refrain from bringing food, snacks, or beverages into the museum galleries. Water fountains are located by the restrooms in the lobby and on the first and fourth floors.
Is smoking allowed in the museum or on the museum grounds?
Maine law prohibits smoking anywhere inside state buildings. Except for designated areas, smoking is also prohibited in and around the State House Complex.
Smoking is allowed at the picnic table located on the north side of the State House near the Liberty Bell (Blaine House side). There is a “smoker’s pole” to dispose of cigarette butts located adjacent to the picnic table. Please use the receptacle when discarding cigarette butts.
A second designated smoking area is located in the parking lot west and south of the Cross Building, near Jackson Street.
May I take photographs in the museum?
Non-flash photography is allowed for personal use in the museum galleries. Visitors are not permitted to use tripods, free-standing lights, selfie sticks, or other external equipment. Photographs taken for commercial purposes are allowed only with special permission (contact maine.museum@maine.gov).
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible. The exhibits on different floors and levels can be accessed by either elevator, chairlift, or ramps. Accessible bathrooms are available throughout the building. The museum offers three manual wheelchairs for visitors to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see the Welcome Desk for assistance. Accessible parking is also available in the lots outside. If you have additional questions or concerns about accessibility, please email maine.museum@maine.gov or call 207-287-2301.
Does the museum have strollers available for use?
Yes. Three strollers are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Do you have resources for neurodiverse visitors?
The Maine State Museum strives to be a welcoming place for all, including our neurodiverse visitors. A museum social story is coming soon for first-time visitors, families, and individuals with disabilities.
Is parking available?
Free parking is available in lots around the museum. The museum is located near the Maine State House, and during legislative sessions (typically from January to April or June), parking may be very limited. If parking is unavailable immediately adjacent to the museum building, it may be available behind the museum or in a nearby parking garage. Click here for the map of the State House Complex.
May I use my cell phone in the museum?
Out of consideration for other visitors, please limit the noise from cell phones and other devices while in the museum galleries.
How do I schedule a school or group tour?
Information about scheduling a tour is located at this link: Schedule a Tour or Program.
Are there other general guidelines about visiting the museum?
- Help protect the objects on display by not touching or running while in the galleries.
- Visitors are not permitted in the museum without clothing. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
- Animals, except for trained service animals, are not allowed in the museum.
- Visitors are to refrain from shouting, fighting, and other disruptive behavior. Individuals exhibiting any offensive, abusive, or threatening language or behavior, and individuals suspected of being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, will be asked to leave the museum.
- The distribution of advertisements, pamphlets, handbills, and flyers is not allowed.
Are weapons permitted?
No weapons of any kind, concealed or otherwise, are allowed on Maine State property in Augusta, including the Maine State Museum.
Can my child visit alone?
An adult must accompany all children under the age of 16.
Do you have facilities where I may nurse my child or pump?
People may breastfeed their children anywhere in the museum. If you prefer a private space to nurse or pump, a Wellness Room is available on the 3rd or entrance level, near the bathrooms.
Visiting the Museum with Children
People may breastfeed their children anywhere in the museum. If you prefer a private space to nurse or pump, a Wellness Room is available on the 3rd or entrance level, near the bathrooms. Changing tables are available in all restrooms.
Strollers are permitted in the galleries. All public areas of the museum are stroller-accessible, and there are elevators or ramps to access all exhibit floors. The museum has three strollers available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.
An adult must accompany all children under the age of 16.
Want more tips?
Are there lockers or a coatroom?
The museum has a small, self-serve coatroom. Items of value should not be left in the coatroom. The museum is not liable for any lost, missing, stolen, or damaged items left in the coatroom. The museum does not have lockers for storing personal items.