Where can I eat at the museum?

The nearest place to purchase breakfast, lunch, beverages, or snacks is in the Cross Office. The Cross Office Building, located just behind the State House, has vending machines and a full-service cafeteria, the Cross Café, open from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Monday through Friday.

To protect the collections and exhibitions, please refrain from bringing food (including candy and chewing gum) or beverages (including bottled water) into the museum. If you are caring for an infant and need to feed that infant during your visit, museum staff may direct you to a suitable location outside the galleries in order to ensure your comfort and the safety of the museum collections. According to Maine law, a mother may breast-feed an infant anywhere she is otherwise allowed to be.

Is smoking allowed in the museum or on the museum grounds?

Maine law prohibits smoking anywhere inside state buildings. With the exception of designated areas, smoking is also prohibited in and around the State House Complex.

May I take photographs in the museum?

Photography is allowed in the museum galleries. However, due to the possible damage that some light may cause, please follow these restrictions:
Use only hand-held cameras with flash attachments in the museum galleries.
Please use photographs only for your own personal enjoyment. Photographs taken for commercial purposes are allowed only with special permission from the museum director.

Photographic, photoflood, video camera “head lights”, freestanding lights, or tripods are not allowed in the galleries without prior approval from the museum director.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is. The museum also has three manual wheelchairs and a wheeled walker that visitors may use on a first come, first served basis. Accessible parking is also available in the lots outside.

Does the museum have strollers available for use?

Yes. Three strollers are available for use on a first come, first served basis.

Is parking available?

Free parking is available in lots around the museum. During legislative sessions (generally, January through April or June), parking may be 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 cell phone use 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?

As in most other public spaces, shoes and shirts are required.
Animals, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed in the museum.
Wheelchairs and strollers are available free of charge for use within the museum.