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Group Visits FAQ
What is the minimum required to enjoy the group discount?
Discounted general admission rates are available for groups of 10 or more qualifying individuals with 72 hours advance notice.
Who qualifies for group discounts?
Qualifying individuals are those people who would not normally be admitted free of charge. For example, Museum members, teachers, children 4 and younger, and military members would not count toward the 10 person minimum.
Can I visit the Museum anytime with my group?
The Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. seven days a week. You may reserve a group visit during normal operating hours. The Pavilion seasonal exhibit is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with the last tickets available at 4:30 p.m. In order to receive the group discount, please make your reservation with 72 hours advance notice.
When is the best time to visit with my group?
We are most crowded on the weekends, on holidays, on school breaks and during the summer.
- Weekday mornings (especially Wednesday-Friday) in April, May and June are very busy with school field trips. These groups typically leave by 1:30 pm.
- If you visit on Saturday or Sunday, you can beat the crowds by arriving before 10:30 am.
What packages are available for my group?
- Natural Wonder Package - Includes all temporary, permanent and priority entry to seasonal* exhibits plus a private 50 minute tour. *The Pavilion is a seasonal outdoor exhibit that transforms into the Butterfly Pavilion (through Spring and Summer) and Spider Pavilion (from late September through early November.)
- Curiosity Package - Includes all temporary and permanent exhibits, plus a private 50 minute tour
- Evolution Group Pass - Includes all temporary and permanent exhibits
What are the rates for group packages?
| All prices include General Admission | Retail | Group Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Wonder Package Includes all temporary, permanent and priority entry to seasonal* exhibits plus a private 50 minute tour |
Adult | $25.00 | $21.75 |
| Senior/College Student | $21.00 | $18.00 | |
| Youth (13-17) | $20.00 | $17.25 | |
| Child (3-12) | $16.00 | $13.75 | |
| Curiosity Package Includes all temporary and permanent exhibits, plus a private 50 minute tour |
Adult | $22.00 | $18.75 |
| Senior/College Student | $19.00 | $16.00 | |
| Youth (13-17) | $18.00 | $15.25 | |
| Child (3-12) | $15.00 | $12.75 | |
| Evolution Group Pass Includes all temporary and permanent exhibits |
Adult | $12.00 | $10.25 |
| Senior/College Student | $9.00 | $7.50 | |
| Youth (13-17) | $8.00 | $7.50 | |
| Child (3-12) | $5.00 | $4.25 | |
|
Butterfly Pavilion 2012 April 8-September 3
Group advance tickets for Pavilion and all special exhibits may only be purchased in conjunction with a Group Rate Pass for General Museum admission
|
Adult
|
$3.00
|
N/A
|
|
Senior/College Student
|
$2.00
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N/A
|
|
|
Youth (13-17)
|
$2.00
|
N/A
|
|
|
Child (3-12)
|
$1.00
|
N/A
|
What are the minimum and maximum numbers of people for each package?
In order to enjoy the group discount, your group must be made up of at least 10 guests.
- Natural Wonder Package – Maximum: 20
- Curiosity Package – Maximum: 20
*If your group is greater than 20 people for either package that includes a tour, we can separate your group into smaller segments to accommodate everyone. - Evolution Group Pass – Unlimited number of guests
How do I reserve a visit for my group?
To reserve a group visit, you may use the online reservation form, e-mail us at groupsalesNH@nhm.org or contact the Group Sales Office at (213) 763-3218.
How do I purchase my group experience?
Within 2-3 days of sending in your reservation form, you will receive a group confirmation along with payment instructions. To qualify for the group rates, a 50% non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking date. Final group numbers and final payment are due upon entry to the museum.
Do you accept purchase orders?
Yes we accept cash, checks, traveler’s checks, credit cards and purchase orders.
Do I need to contact the Museum if the number in my group changes?
Unless the number in your group increases or decreases drastically, there is no need to contact us. On the day of your visit, you’ll pay the remaining balance based on your final group numbers. In order to receive the group discount, a minimum of 10 people is required.
Are there any exhibits that require additional ticketing or reservations?
- The Pavilion is a seasonal outdoor exhibit that transforms into the Butterfly Pavilion (through Spring and Summer) and Spider Pavilion (from late September through early November) and requires additional ticketed entry if not purchased as part of the Natural Wonder Package.
Is there a group discount for the Butterfly or Spider Pavilion?
There is no group discount for Pavilion admission, instead you can enjoy priority entry. By booking the Natural Wonder package you will ensure that you gain entry as this exhibit frequently sells out.
Can I get tickets to the Pavilion exhibit on the day of my visit?
Due to the limited capacity, advance purchase of Pavilion tickets is required.
Do you offer private guided tours?
Yes you can enjoy a private tour with at least 1 week advance notice. Tours are 50 minutes and give you an insider’s point of view as you learn about the Museum’s permanent collections from one of our knowledgeable Gallery Interpreters. Tours are included in the Natural Wonder and Curiosity Packages.
What is the rate for private tours?
Please see the chart above for all the rates.
Do you offer Behind-the-Scenes Tours?
Yes, a behind-the-scenes tour gives you the unparalleled opportunity to hear directly from the Natural History Museum's renowned scientists and curators as they walk you through collections not on view to the public and update you on their latest research.
What is the rate for Behind-the-Scenes Tours?
Tours are $100 for adults with a maximum of 10 guests and must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance. Tours are 90 minutes and include a choice of the following areas:
- Gems & Minerals
- Birds
- Mammals
- Paleontology
Please call 213-763-3218 to reserve your special behind the scenes tour.
Will I get a refund if I need to cancel my visit or tour?
Cancellation with full refund is available if made no later than 2 weeks prior to visit date.
Where can our bus park?
Buses and private cars may park in the Public Parking Lot #3 in Exposition Park. The current rates are $12 per charter bus. Private vehicles are $10 each. Parking fees are not set by NHM and are subject to change without notice.
What should we do when our group gets to the Museum?
Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled visit time. Bring your reservation form and be prepared to provide the number of guests in your group. The group leader will be responsible for paying the remaining balance and then your full group can enter.
Where can our group enjoy lunch?
The new NHM Grill is serves a variety of made-to-order gourmet grilled sandwiches and burgers, fresh salads and wraps, made-from-scratch soups, kid-friendly favorites, vegetarian options, and a large variety of snacks. Indoor and patio seating are available. You can also choose from special catering options designed for groups like yours. Click here to view the group menu.
If you're bringing your own food, we invite you to picnic under the trees on the grass in front of the Museum, or on the picnic benches overlooking the Rose Garden adjacent to the Museum.
Are there other attractions to explore in Exposition Park?
Within walking distance of NHM are three other popular group destinations: the California Science Center, the California African American Museum, and the Exposition Park Rose Garden (seasonal).