Terms, Conditions and Expectations

General Expectations:

At the Museum of Exploration, we:

• Are respectful towards staff and other visitors to the Museum
• Listen to and comply with directions from Museum staff, including following all posted signs and instructions
• Keep noise levels down, especially in areas where others are trying to enjoy the experience
• Walk carefully in the galleries or on the stairs
• Provide adequate supervision for individuals under the age of eighteen (18) (no one under the age of 18 may attend without adult supervision)
• Enjoy objects on open display with eyes, not hands [except where expressly allowed]
• Enjoy foods and beverages in the Eatery only except for bottled water in a closed container. Outside food is not permitted inside the Museum. Visitors should consult a staff member to request an exception for infants and toddlers or for disabled individuals who require an accommodation.
• Leave Museum spaces and resources tidy after taking part in activities
• Use cameras with respect for other Museum visitors without tripods, selfie sticks, or drones; photography without flash is permitted except where otherwise indicated
• Use mobile phones with respect for other Museum visitors, do not record others without their consent, and switch off mobile phones when requested by staff or posted sign

Terms and Conditions:

• These Terms and Conditions are a legally binding agreement between you, the user (“you” or “your”), and us. We use the terms “us,” “we,” and “our” to collectively refer to the National Geographic Society (“NGS”), and all of NGS’ parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates.
• All tickets are offered contingent on compliance with these Terms and Conditions, the Museum of Exploration’s General Expectations, and abstention from Prohibited Conduct or Behavior as set out herein.
• Tickets are non-refundable except as set out herein, non-transferable, and resale is prohibited.
• Each ticket may only be used once for one person, unless otherwise indicated. Duplicate and resale tickets are not valid.
• Tickets may be exchanged for an alternative date not later than 24 hours before the original date and time of their ticket, either through the self-service portal online, emailing museum@ngs.org or by contacting the Call Center at 202-857-7700.
  • If there is a cost increase between the original ticket date and the new ticket date, visitors are responsible for paying the difference. No price adjustments will be credited or refunded for new ticket dates.
  • Customers are limited to no more than five (5) ticket reschedules or exchange for alternative dates.
• The National Geographic Museum of Exploration (“MOE”) does not offer price adjustments for any ticket purchases.
• National Geographic is not responsible for tickets sold by unauthorized entities, websites, or other channels. moe.nationalgeographic.org is the only authorized point of sale for tickets to The National Geographic Museum of Exploration.
• The MOE spaces or events may be photographed, livestreamed, broadcast or recorded by National Geographic Society and its licensees (collectively, “Recordings”), and may include images of the audience or individuals in attendance within such space and/or event. By attending the MOE, visitors agree to such Recordings and consent to appear in such Recordings.
  • Appropriate signage will be displayed in affected spaces informing visitors, should they not consent to appear on broadcasts or recordings.
• Unauthorized tours and events are not permitted anywhere within the MOE or on National Geographic Society property.
• In the event the MOE is rendered inoperative, National Geographic will clearly communicate any closures or changes to our business hours and offerings. In the event of such a closure, email communications will be sent to all customers and closure notifications will be posted on the MOE website and on our social handles. Visitors will have the option to reschedule their tickets or receive a refund under these circumstances.
• In the event that a visitor is unable to make their visit, tickets may be transferred to alternate individuals with advance notice and communication to MOE staff.
• Outside food and beverage is prohibited in the MOE with the exception of bottled water or for reasonable medical purposes or to reasonably accommodate disabled visitors.
• The National Geographic Society Privacy Notice describes our organization’s practices with respect to personal information and your rights and choices when it comes to the personal information we control.
• If you are a California resident, you waive California Civil Code § 1542, which says: “A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.”
• You voluntarily assume all risks incidental to your visit to the MOE for which the ticket is issued (whether occurring before, during, or after the event). You waive any claims for personal injury, property damage, or death against the National Geographic Society, its licensees, as well as their respective parents, affiliated entities, agents, officers, directors, owners, and employees on behalf of yourself and any accompanying minor.
• YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE, CLAIM, OR CONTROVERSY RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, OR YOUR USE OF THE MOE, PRODUCTS OR SERVICES SOLD, DISTRIBUTED, ISSUED, OR SERVICED BY OR THROUGH NGS—IRRESPECTIVE OF WHEN THAT DISPUTE, CLAIM, OR CONTROVERSY AROSE—WILL BE RESOLVED SOLELY BY BINDING ARBITRATION AS SET FORTH IN THE TERMS, RATHER THAN IN COURT. BY AGREEING TO ARBITRATION, THE PARTIES AGREE TO WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND AGREE THAT YOU AND WE MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST EACH OTHER ONLY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS PROCEEDING.
• Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions shall be submitted to mediation in the District of Columbia in accordance with the rules of JAMS. In the event the Parties are unable to resolve the dispute through mediation, the dispute will be finally resolved through arbitration in the District of Columbia in accordance with the rules of JAMS with all costs and fees to be awarded to the winning party. Each Party retains the right to obtain judicial assistance: (1) to compel arbitration; (2) to obtain interim measures of protection pending or during arbitration; and (3) to enforce any decision of the arbitrator, including the final award.
• If any part of these Terms is not valid or enforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable, meaning it will not affect the validity or enforceability of any remaining provisions.

Consequences of Prohibited Conduct or Violation of Terms and Conditions:

Violation of the Terms and Conditions and/or engaging in prohibited conduct or behavior will not be tolerated. Individuals found in violation may be asked to stop immediately. The Society may take any disciplinary action we consider appropriate, including, but not limited to, issuing a warning, removing visitors from the premises and/or cancelling tickets without refund, barring or limiting access from future visits to the MOE and National Geographic events, and/or referring the matter to law enforcement.

Prohibited Conduct or Behavior:

• The following is an illustrative list of conduct and/or behavior prohibited within the Museum of Exploration and/or on Museum grounds that may result in disciplinary action. This list is not a complete list of prohibited conduct and/or behavior, but is intended as a guide to ensure an enjoyable visit to the Museum of Exploration:
  • Harassment, intimidation, and discrimination of any kind are not tolerated at the Museum of Exploration. Harassment can take many forms including, but not limited to, slurs, jokes, banter, offensive comments, unwanted compliments, inappropriate or overly personal questions, inappropriate touching, or invading personal space (including unwanted photography). Unwanted or offensive communication through email, text, social media, or other platforms is also prohibited.
    • What may seem acceptable to one person could be offensive to another, so keep all interactions courteous and respectful. Harassment, even if meant as a joke, is unacceptable.
  • Unlawful and/or prohibited use of alcohol, drugs, and/or other controlled substances (including prescription medicine, cigarettes, e-cigarettes or “vaping”) including the use of alcohol beyond designated areas of the Museum.
    • If alcohol is served, attendees over 21 (per the laws of the United States) may consume voluntarily and in moderation. Excess drinking, defined as consumption that leads to disruptive, unsafe, or inappropriate behavior, is not allowed. Food Service providers reserve the right to refuse service to any guest.
  • Display of signs, banners, or similar marks or tokens except those specifically permitted by Society staff (e.g., identifying signs for school or group field trips). This includes any person wearing attire (including tattoos) that could detract from the experience of other guests.
  • Unsafe and/or dangerous action(s) which place visitors, staff, and/or exhibits at risk of harm including, but not limited to, the use of (or carry, including concealed carry, of) weapons, explosives, force, or violence.
  • Protest, demonstration, advocacy, and/or participation in unwelcome and/or unauthorized assembly.
  • Solicitation or advertisement for commercial or charitable purposes (including the distribution of any literature).
  • Climb or otherwise scale any part of the building, facilities, or any exhibit.
  • Running, skateboarding, roller-skating, roller-blading, bicycling, scootering, and/or any other physical activity outside of walking pace (e.g., “Parkour”).
  • Loitering.
  • Performing obscene or indecent acts.
  • Engage in disorderly conduct including, but not limited to, playing music other visitors may hear or engaging in loud conversations to the detriment of the visitor’s experience.
  • Bring animals, other than properly trained service animals provided such service animals remain under the control and supervision of the animal’s owner or an experienced service animal trainer.
  • Take photographs or video for advertising or any other commercial purpose.
  • Use of drones or other aerial and/or remote-control devices.
  • Use, or set up, of chairs or other furniture not provided by the Museum.
  • Failure to wear appropriate attire. Shirts and shoes are required at all times.
  • Accessing prohibited portions of the Museum including any area marked “Staff Only”, “Private” or “Private Event”. If visitors are given space for a private event, access to the Museum at large is prohibited unless specifically granted by an authorized Society staff member in writing.
  • Visitors should inquire regarding any specific exhibition, event, and/or program rules.

Reporting and Addressing Violations:

If you see, experience, or become aware of prohibited or inappropriate behavior, please seek out a MOE staff member to report your concern.