Accessibility

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History wants to make sure everyone has an exciting, educational, and enjoyable experience. We are pleased to offer the following resources and services, however, if you have specific questions, or need assistance planning your visit, contact us by email or by phone at (877) 332-1165.

Planning Your Museum Visit

Driving Directions, Public Transit, and Parking

For information on the driving directions, public transit, and parking, visit the Museum’s directions page.

 Accessible Parking & Passenger Drop-off Area

Accessible parking is available on the west side and the south side of the Museum. Bus and RV parking is available on the east side across the street from the Museum. The passenger drop-off area is located by the main entrance of the Museum.

 Accessible for Wheelchairs & Strollers

All entrances are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Automictic doors are located at the main entrance of the Museum.

 Quieter Museum Hours

If you wish to visit during a quieter time, the following days and times tend to be less busy: Tuesday to Friday before 1:00 pm, and Sundays.

 Additional Museum Policies and Information. 

For additional information about museum policies, visit the Guest Services Information & Policies page.
Tour the Sternberg Museum virtually, courtesy of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Resources

Elevators

All levels of the Museum are accessible by elevator.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be checked out at the admission desk on level 1. (Please note there is no ramp between levels 1 and 2, guests using a wheelchair must take the elevator.)

Strollers

Strollers can be used freely throughout the Museum or can be stored at the admission desk on level 1.

Gallery Seating

Benches can be found throughout the galleries.

Service Animals

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History allows service animals, that is, animals trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability, into all the public areas of the Museum. In the rare case that safety concerns prevent a service animal from entering collections or laboratory space, Museum staff will work with Museum guests and guest researchers to provide reasonable accommodation.

Companion Animals Kenneling

For the sake of protecting other guests, animals, and our collections on display. We cannot permit companion animals into the Museum. However, we understand that leaving them in the car isn’t an option either. To allow guests to enjoy their visit without the worry of their pets, the Museum has a kennel available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You may check out the kennel at the admission desk on level 1. (Please note, the kennel can only hold one medium size dog.)

Navigating the Museum

Restrooms

Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on every floor of the Museum. Changing tables are located on levels 1 and 3.

Mother’s Room

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History is a proud supporter of the La Leche League. Feel free to breastfeed your child throughout the Museum. However, if you wish to breastfeed in private, we offer a mother’s room. The room is furnished with a bench, restroom, and electricity. Inquire at the admission desk.

First Aid

Limited first aid supplies can be found at the admission desk in the main lobby and the desk of the Discovery Room. An emergency defibrillator is located on level 1 by the admission desk. 

Lost & Found

Lost & Found is located at the admission desk in the main lobby.

Drinking Fountains

Wheelchair-accessible drinking fountains are located near the restrooms on all levels of the Museum.

Contact Us

The Sternberg Museum’s staff and volunteers work to provide the best possible for all of our guests and we welcome the opportunity to receive feedback from you. Contact us with any concerns or feedback by email.