Useful Information
Overview
Entrance
On weekdays in term time enter via the Group Entrance on Imperial College Road. At weekends and in holidays enter via the Main Entrance on Exhibition Road.
Admission costs
Entry is free but charges apply for some activities.
Opening times
Open daily from 10.00 to 18.00. Closed 24-26 December.
Supervision
The Museum is a public place and it is a condition of booking that group leaders must remain with their groups at all times to actively supervise them.
General visits require 1 adult for every 15 students; specific activities require more supervision. Students aged 16 and over require one supervisory adult.
Please ensure you have enough adults before you request your visit.
Planning visits
We strongly recommend you come on a preliminary planning visit to help you plan your itinerary and routes around the Museum.
Code of conduct
Please remind your students to respect other visitors, Museum objects and Museum staff.
Risk assessments
Our Health and Safety Information Sheet (pdf) will help you complete your own risk assessment paperwork.
Museum maps
Make copies of the Museum map for adults and students.
Storage for coats and bags
On weekdays in term time lockable storage is allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis on arrival at the Group Entrance. Space is limited, so please try to leave things on the coach. Storage is not available at weekends or during holidays.
Lunches
We do not pre-book lunch areas. Use the picnic terraces in the basement, Launchpad City on the third floor or any quiet uncarpeted areas of the Museum. Packed lunches must not be eaten in the Museum's cafes. Snacks can be bought from the Eat Drink Shop in the basement.
Our caterers, Benugo, can provide lunch bags containing a ham or cheese (v) baguette, blueberry muffin, raisin box and bottle of water for collection on the day of your visit. Alternatives are available for special diets. The bags cost £3.50 per person. Call 020 7942 4483 to order, telling us the number of ham and cheese baguettes required.
Shop
Our shops on the ground and third floors get busy so plan to visit during the day rather than just before you leave. Goodie bags can be pre-ordered on 020 7942 4499.
Toilets
Toilets are located throughout the Museum. Please be aware that the toilets marked 'boys' and 'girls' in the basement may also be used by adults.
Touching exhibits
Throughout the Museum may irreplaceable exhibits are on open display so visitors can get close to them. To preserve their longevity please remind students not to touch or climb on them.
Photography
Photography, sound recordings and videoing are not allowed in the IMAX Cinema. Elsewhere photography and fliming are fine, but tripods may not be used.
Cancellation
If you need to cancel your visit please tell us so we can release your slots to other groups. Booking terms apply for cancellations to charged activities.