What accessibility information should we know before our visit?

When entering the museum, a ramp and gate connect to the Upper Parking Lot, which connects to a sidewalk near the main Springs Preserve entrance and Lower Parking Lot. An elevator is located next to the stairs outside the museum, to the left when exiting, and provides access between the museum and the Springs Preserve.

The Permanent Gallery includes lighting effects, sound effects, audio stations, video, interactive elements, and some darker gallery areas. These features are marked on the Accessibility Map with visual symbols so visitors can plan their visit in advance. Schools can view our Accessibility Map during your field trip visit on-site or request a copy by emailing educationnsmlv@nevadaculture.org. The map includes gallery features and information such as restroom location, seating, ramps or uneven ground areas.

If your group needs special accommodation during your visit, please include those details in your Field Trip Request Form before submitting your request. This helps museum staff prepare for your group. Please notify a staff member during your visit if you need assistance.

Where are the restrooms and water fountain?

Restrooms and a water fountain are to the right when entering the rotunda from the main entrance of the museum.

What are Sensory Friendly Exploration Hours?

The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas offers Sensory Friendly Exploration Hours for visitors who prefer a calmer, quieter museum experience. During scheduled visits, the museum may open one hour before regular public hours so individuals, families, caregivers, and groups can explore the galleries with fewer crowds and less noise.

This option may be helpful for school groups with sensory sensitivities, neurodivergence, disabilities, or anyone who benefits from a more controlled museum setting. If available, our Sensory-Friendly support tools include:

• Noise canceling headphones, limited supply
• Adjusted exhibit lighting and sound effects when available
• Sensory backpacks, limited supply
• Weighted accessories
• Fidget tools, limited supply
• Visual aids or maps
• A quiet space for breaks
• Accessible entrances and exhibit pathways

What should we do when we arrive?

Do not unload students before staff are present. Groups arriving by bus must remain on the bus until staff arrives to greet the group. Teachers and chaperones driving separately should coordinate arrival details with their point-of-contact before the visit. Museum staff will escort the group to the museum and provide a brief orientation before students begin their visit, unless the group visits the Springs Preserve first.

Where should buses park?

The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas is located at the north end of the Springs Preserve. Due to weight restrictions, buses may not park in the Upper Parking Lot. If you are visiting the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas only, our museum staff will meet your group at the Springs Preserve main entrance and walk with you to the museum. If you have booked a same day visit to the Springs Preserve, your visit will begin in the Lower Parking Lot. All buses must be parked in the Lower Parking Lot, as directed by Springs Preserve security.

If your group is visiting the museum only, we recommend arranging a pickup time at the Springs Preserve Main Entrance sign at the bus loading area; otherwise, plan to meet the bus in the Lower Parking Lot after your visit.

Where should teachers and chaperones driving separately park?

Teachers must coordinate arrival details with their point-of-contact before the visit. Teachers and chaperones are welcome to park in the Lower Parking Lot or designated public parking in front of the Springs Preserve Main Entrance or in the Upper Parking Lot. Museum staff are not responsible for distributing parking information to each chaperone. If your group is only visiting the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, museum staff will escort the group to the museum

Is our field trip confirmed when we receive the Field Trip Agreement?

Your field trip reservation is not confirmed by receiving the Field Trip Agreement packet. You must sign and return the Field Trip Code of Conduct and Guest Behavior Policy on the Field Trip Agreement packet (page 4) to the Education Team at educationnsmlv@nevadaculture.org before your visit.

What should teachers do before the visit?

Please review the Field Trip Agreement packet in full before your scheduled field trip. This packet includes important information to help teachers, students, and chaperones prepare for a safe and organized museum visit. Teachers are responsible for reviewing and sharing these guidelines with all chaperones and preparing students for museum expectations before arrival. Museum staff will refer all details and communications to the teacher who submitted the Field Trip Request Form as the primary point of contact. Museum staff do not replace teacher or chaperone supervision.

All students must be supervised by a teacher or chaperone at all times.

When must the agreement be returned?

Your reservation is not confirmed until the Field Trip Confirmation Agreement is signed and returned via email to educationnsmlv@nevadaculture.org. The agreement must be signed and returned no later than one week before your requested field trip date. Field Trip Bookings are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

How do I request bus transportation reimbursement?
Indicate that you are requesting reimbursement on the Field Trip Request Form and include the requested reimbursement amount. Requests submitted without an amount cannot be considered.

If you already submitted your field trip request without an amount and would like to request reimbursement, please resubmit the form and contact the Education Department at educationnsmlv@nevadaculture.org.

Is bus transportation reimbursement guaranteed?
No. Bus reimbursement is dependent on available funding and is not guaranteed. Funding will be available at a later date if approved by the Nevada Legislature.

Where should the bus invoice be sent?
For approved reimbursements, your school must ensure that the bus invoice is sent to dmhfiscal@nevadaculture.org.

Who is eligible for bus reimbursement?

If you are a CCSD public or magnet school seeking reimbursement for your bus transportation, please remember to ensure your school sends an invoice for the bus to dmhfiscal@nevadaculture.org. Bus reimbursement funds will be available at a later date, if approved by legislature.

Schools must include a reimbursement amount on the Field Trip Request Form to be considered. If your school did not list an amount but plans to request reimbursement, please resubmit your Field Trip Request Form and contact the Education Department at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas.

Non-CCSD public or magnet schools are not eligible for bus reimbursement through the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, under current State of Nevada Division of Museums and History policy.

Can students bring backpacks, food, or drinks into the galleries?

Food, water bottles, and other beverages are not allowed inside gallery spaces. While we understand the importance of staying hydrated, drinks and water bottles are not allowed in the exhibition areas to prevent spills and damage to the collection. The museum is entrusted with the care of its collection for future generations and must be vigilant to protect these items. Accidental spills can cause irreparable damage.

During your visit, food, water bottles, and beverages must be stored in the museum’s designated storage area. Drinking fountains are available for your convenience. Teachers and chaperones are responsible for making sure students collect their belongings before leaving the museum. Museum staff are not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.

Can our group eat lunch at the museum?

The museum does not have lunch facilities for school groups. If your group plans to eat lunch during the school outing, the lead teacher is responsible for making lunch arrangements outside the museum before your visit.

Nearby public parks may be an option, but schools are responsible for confirming availability, rules, transportation, restroom access, and student supervision. Museum staff cannot reserve lunch spaces at nearby parks or supervise students during lunch. All students must be supervised by a teacher or chaperone at all times.

Is photography allowed?

Picture taking is encouraged. We ask all visitors to please tag us @NVStateMuseumLV on Instagram or @NSMLV on Facebook or use hashtag #NSMLV on all social media platforms.

Can students visit the Museum Store?

Students are welcome to visit the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas Museum Store but must be supervised by a teacher or chaperone at all times. Due to space limitations, only one group of 10 students may enter the store at a time. Our Museum Store accepts both credit cards and cash.

How many students can enter the museum at one time?

Only 50 students may enter the museum at one time. Larger groups must coordinate staggered entry or book additional activities with the Springs Preserve at 702-822-7700. While there is no admission fee for chaperones, a minimum of one chaperone is required for every 10 students.

What behavior is expected during the visit?

Teachers and chaperones must always supervise students in their care. Some exhibit areas are dimly lit or include ramps. Unsafe behavior could lead to injury or damage to artifacts. All guests are expected to:

• Communicate with staff and volunteers in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Follow all posted rules, safety instructions, and staff directions.
• Use museum spaces, exhibits, and materials responsibly and safely.

What conduct is prohibited?

The following conduct is not allowed:

• Climbing on exhibits, barriers, furniture, railings, ramps, or other museum features.
• Touching exhibits or displays unless museum staff have clearly identified them as interactive.
• Running, climbing, horseplay, rough behavior, or unsafe movement in museum spaces.
• Aggressive, confrontational, threatening, or persistent conduct that causes discomfort or safety concerns.

Teachers and chaperones are responsible for supervising students and managing student behavior throughout the entire museum visit. Students must always remain with a teacher or chaperone. Museum staff may notify security if students are left unattended, separated from their group, or not properly supervised.

All visitors are expected to follow museum rules, posted safety instructions, and staff directions. The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas reserves the right to take appropriate action if this policy is violated, including removal from museum premises and security or law enforcement involvement, if necessary.