Know Before You Go

Two visitors peer into a glass case. filled with vases.

The safety and security of Cooper Hewitt’s visitors, volunteers, staff, and collections is of the highest importance. As part of the Smithsonian’s most beloved collection of museums and galleries, we work hard every day to ensure the preservation of our country’s treasures for the enjoyment of generations to come.

PROHIBITED CONDUCT

While on Smithsonian premises, including Cooper Hewitt, NO VISITOR SHALL:

Carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed on the premises. The prohibition on firearms applies to all visitors, including those with firearm permits.
Display or carry placards, signs, or banners
Destroy, damage, or remove property
Climb upon any part of a building
Use loud, abusive, or otherwise improper language
Loiter, sleep, or participate in unwarranted assemblies
Create any hazard to persons or things
Perform obscene or indecent acts
Engage in disorderly conduct
Use, possess, or sell illegal drugs
Smoke, this includes e-cigarettes
Bring dogs or other animals, other than service animals
Take photographs for advertising or any other commercial purpose
Solicit for commercial or charitable purposes or distribute advertisements, pamphlets, handbills, and flyers
Damage, deface, pick, or remove any herb, shrub, bush, tree, or turf, or portion thereof, in Cooper Hewitt’s Garden.

SECURITY SCREENINGS

At Cooper Hewitt, you’ll be greeted upon entry by one of our security personnel who will conduct a thorough hand-check of all bags, briefcases, purses, and containers. We encourage you to limit the number of personal belongings and bags you bring into our facilities to increase your speed through security checkpoints.

The following items are prohibited at Cooper Hewitt:

Sharp items such as knives (including pocket or “Swiss Army” style knives), screwdrivers, scissors
Firearms
Pepper spray and Mace

We ask for your patience, cooperation, and assistance in keeping America’s design treasures safe.

Visitors should not leave personal belongings unattended.

Garden Rules and Policies

The Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden is designed for everyone’s enjoyment. Thank you for helping us keep it safe and green.

The following are not permitted:

Smoking or vaping
Alcohol, except wine/beer purchased at the museum’s cafe
Delivery of outside food to the Garden
Animals, except service animals
Kicking or throwing objects
Use of bicycles, skateboards or recreational scooters
Walking in planting beds, picking flowers or plants
Events or gathering greater than six people, except by permit
Filming or photography requiring equipment or exclusive use of an area, except by permit
Littering
Climbing on any part of the Garden or terrace structures
Use of furniture brought in from outside the Garden
Amplified sound, except by permit
Solicitation
Commercial activity, except by permit.

Know Before you Go Guide

You can read our Know Before You Go guide for step-by-step information about visiting the Museum.