Press Room

Planing Your Visit:

What are your normal hours of operation?

Our normal hours are Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday noon-5pm. For information about extended hours, holiday openings, and getting tickets, please reference our Hours and Admission page.

How far in advance do I need to arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled show time to pick up tickets and get to the proper Exhibit hall or theater. There is no late seating for IMAX® or Planetarium shows.

Where can I find information on field trips to MNS or outreach programs that can be brought to the schools?

Visit the Teacher's Resource section of our website where you can find information on pricing, reservations, as well as an online guide. . Or, call us at 214-428-5555 x8 for information.

Do you offer group rates for non-school groups?

Yes, non-school groups of 15 or more may qualify for discounts if tickets are reserved in advance. Please see our group rates form or call 214-428-5555 x8 for more information.

Can I leave and come back later that day with a general admission ticket?

Yes. Once you have purchased a ticket from the museum it is valid all day.

Can I rent museum space for my event?

Yes! Various areas of MNS are available for rentals and sleepovers.

How about birthday parties?

Absolutely! MNS offers a variety of special birthday party themes for your future scientist.

Is there a place to eat at the Museum?

Yes. Inside the Science Building we have a café serving a wide variety of sandwiches and snacks. You can also try the Old Mill Inn located right past the Nature Building in Fair Park.

Is parking free?

For the majority of the year, yes! Parking fees are only charged during the State Fair of Texas® (late September through mid October), due to our location in Fair Park. There are multiple lots located directly across from and near the museum.

Fair Park does have paid parking during park-wide events or major concerts. So, to avoid paying a parking charge for most events (excluding the State Fair of Texas® MNS guests should inform the parking gate attendant they are in Fair Park to visit the Museum.

Are there wheelchairs available?

Yes, however the limited number of wheelchairs available are on a first-come-first-serve basis and cannot be pre-reserved.

Do you allow strollers?

Yes.

Can I purchase tickets for a later date?

Ordering tickets online is a great way to save time and avoid lines. Visit the online ticketing section of our website to buy your tickets today.

Is the Museum always crowded with school groups?

Not at all! Our large exhibit halls, IMAX® Theater, and our three separate buildings allow plenty of space for both school groups and families to enjoy MNS. However, our highest foot-traffic of school groups occurs before 2pm and primarily on Wednesday through Friday during the school year. March - May are particularly high traffic times for school groups when we receive large numbers of visiting children Monday - Friday.

Are there military and AARP discounts?

We currently are unable to offer any AARP discounts, however for members of the military we do offer $2 off any regular priced admission ticket to the IMAX®, the Planetarium, or exhibits.

Is there a location to store coats or bags?

No. There is not a location onsite that the museum can store your coats.

Miscellaneous:

Is the IMAX® Theater here?

Yes. The TI Founders IMAX® Theater is located in our Science Building.

Why aren't you showing the current blockbuster in your IMAX® Theater?

In order to fulfill our mission of "inspiring minds through nature and science," we only show films that educate in one or both of those fields. Check out our current films!

How long is an IMAX® show?

Our IMAX® shows are about 45 minutes in length. The theater seats 323. The shows are timed, and there is no late seating.

How long is the Planetarium show?

Planetarium shows are anywhere from 25-40 minutes in length. The theater seats 40. The shows are timed and there is no late seating. Allow 15 minutes to walk from the Science Building to the Planetarium.

Are coupons available on the web?

From time to time throughout the year, the MNS may offer coupons. These will most often be found on our homepage. The best way to be made aware of any MNS coupons is by subscribing to our electronic database to receive information about MNS programs and offerings. Click here to subscribe.

Do you have a gift shop?

Yes, our gift shop is located in the Science Building on the east side of the lobby near the member box office.

What is Bank of America weekend?

Bank of America weekend takes place the first weekend of every month and is a special weekend when Bank of America customers get into the general MNS exhibit halls free. This benefit does not include extra-ticketed traveling exhibitions. For more information, please visit the Bank of America website.

Is there a lost and found?

Yes there is a lost and found. However, it is not public accessible. You'll need to ask at the box office or another staff member. We store all the lost and found clothing in a closet. Wallets, jewelry, cameras, etc. are kept locked-up. Credit cards are cut up.

Can someone at the Museum help identify my fossils?

Yes, please contact the Museum's Fossil Preparator, Dr. Ron Tykoski, at 214-428-5555 x1458 or at rtykoski@natureandscience.org. Please provide as much information about the fossils as you can such as where they were found (e.g. Garland, TX) and the type of environment they were found in (e.g. creek). Photographs with a ruler in them next to the specimen are also very helpful – Dr. Tykoski can usually identify fossils just by looking at photographs.

Will the Museum purchase my fossils?

No, the Museum does not purchase fossils.

Will the Museum do appraisals?

No, the Museum does not do appraisals.

Exhibits:

Are there exhibits and activities for small children?

Yes. All of our exhibits are child-friendly and many of them are specially designed just for your younger child. Our Children's Museum, located on the lower level of the Science Building, is available for children ages 6 and under and is included with the price of general admission.

Are your Dino Dig toys and toys in other exhibits routinely cleaned?

Yes they are cleaned with bleach. The digging toys in the Dino Dig are routinely discarded and replaced with new equipment. The interactive toys in the Children's Museum are cleaned routinely to mitigate the transfer of germs as much as possible. Surfaces of the exhibits are also routinely cleaned.

Do you all have a list of all of your exhibits?

Visit the exhibits section of the website for information on current and upcoming exhibits.

Would I have to pay extra to see some exhibits?

Potentially, depending on what exhibits you would like to see. Click here for the current prices.

Membership:

How can I renew my membership?

You can renew your membership by purchasing a new one right now online!

What is your cancellation and refund policy on memberships?

Memberships are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE.

If I want to upgrade my membership do I have to wait until it is expired?

No, a membership can be upgraded at any time during their membership by contacting the Membership Department at (214) 428-5555 ext. 1461.

What are the costs for various membership levels?

For a description of various membership levels and their costs, please visit our membership information page.

How can I sign up for a membership?

There are three easy ways to join!

On the web: [ Purchase ]
Call on weekdays 9am to 5pm at 214-428-5555 x 1461
In person at the membership desk in the lobby of the Science Building (1318 South Second Avenue)

When will I receive my membership cards?

10-14 business days after the purchase of the membership. On web purchases, please print your e-receipt which contains a Patron ID# and serves as a temporary membership card. For membership purchased at the box office, your purchase receipt will serve as your temporary membership card. Use your receipt and your driver's license to get your tickets from the Museum's box office until your permanent card arrives.

Is my membership valid all calendar year?

Your membership will expire one year from the day it's purchased.

What is the difference between a Family, Family Plus, and a Family Plus Platinum Membership?

A Family membership covers two adults and all children or grandchildren in the family 17 years of age and under.
- Family level memberships receive:
  - Four complimentary passes to MNS Exhibition Halls
  - Four complimentary vouchers to TI Founders IMAX® and Planetarium shows
A Family Plus membership covers three adults and all children and grandchildren in the family 17 years of age and under.
- Family Plus Platinum members receive:
  - Six complimentary passes to MNS Exhibition Halls
  - Six complimentary vouchers to TI Founders IMAX® and Planetarium shows
  - Reciprocal admission benefits at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas
  - Enrollment in Kid's Club
A Family Plus Platinum covers four adults and all children and grandchildren in the family 17 and under.
- Family Plus Platinum members receive:
  - Eight complimentary passes to MNS Exhibition Halls
  - Eight complimentary vouchers to TI Founders IMAX® and Planetarium shows
  - Reciprocal admission benefits at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas
  - Enrollment in Kid's Club

Do my children need membership cards?

Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a current card carrying member. We issue membership cards for the named adults 18 and over who reside at the same address. All children in the family 17 years of age and under are automatically covered under a Family membership and above. If your child(ren) will be visiting the Museum with an adult not named on the membership, please call (214) 428-5555 ext. 1461 to find out how an additional adult can be added to the membership.

Can a friend or family member use my membership card?

No. Memberships are nontransferable and are valid only for the person whose name appears on the card. This is why you must show a photo ID when you enter MNS. As a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on membership and attendance for support, we must prevent misuse of our membership cards. Otherwise, the loss of revenue would require us to raise prices.
Please note: Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a current card carrying member.

Can I change the names on my membership?

Yes. Name change requests or change of address must be emailed to membership@natureandscience.org. Please note there is a $3 administrative fee for each replacement card.

What if I lose my member cards?

There is a $3 administrative fee for each replacement card. Please call (972) 201-0602 to purchase your replacement cards in order to have new cards issued. In the meantime, please present your driver's license at the Museum box office.

If I purchase a membership at the box office or online, when may I begin using it?

Immediately! Upon web purchase utilize the e-receipt, which contains a confirmation code as well as your membership ID number.

Is the membership good at other museums?

Your MNS membership card will grant you free general admission to more than 200 museums that participate in the Travel Passport Program (ASTC) Log on to www.astc.org for a complete list. ASTC participating museums within a 90 mile radius of MNS are not applicable for free admission.

At what level do I receive the benefit of reciprocal membership to the Ft. Worth Museum of Science and the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary?

Family Plus and above

What is the Kids Club?

Kids Club, a benefit for Family Plus level members and up, is a partnership between the Museum of Nature & Science, Dallas Arboretum, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Zoo, Trinity River Audubon Center and The Crow Collection of Asian Art.

Kids Club activities include invitations to six FREE exclusive special events per year, for a savings of $154*. All Kids Club events are craft-based activities geared toward children between the ages of 2 and 10 years old, and families are encouraged to stay for the day at the host venue location at no additional cost. In addition, Kids Club members receive a discount on admission to the participating institutions. The discount each institution gives may vary, but will be at least $1 off the regular price of admission. We encourage you to call ahead to check pricing discounts and hours of operation for each venue before visiting.

	MNS	DMA	Arboretum	Zoo	TRAC	Crow	Total Savings
2 Adults	$20	$20	$24	$24	$12	$0	$100
2 Children	$14	$0	$16	$18	$6	$0	$54
	$34	$20	$40	$42	$18	$0	$154

*Admission prices as of September, 2011 and are subject to change.

How can I purchase a gift of membership?

You can purchase a Gift Membership via our online purchasing site. To purchase by telephone, please call 214.428.5555 x1461.

I am an educator, do I receive a discount?

Yes! The Museum of Nature & Science is pleased to offer a 15% discount to all Texas Educators. This discount is good for 15% off Individual, Dual and Family-level memberships. Please present current proof of educator employment in Texas.

I am active in the United States Military, do I receive a discount?

Yes! The Museum of Nature & Science is pleased to offer a 15% discount to all Active Military families. This discount is good for 15% off Individual, Dual and Family-level memberships. Please present current military ID.

At what membership level will I receive discounted pricing on birthday parties, Discovery Camps, Little Explorers?

Discounts on birthday parties, Discovery Camps, Little Explorers are for Family level members and above. Please call the membership office in order to upgrade your membership.

Expansion:

Can I see the construction progress?

Visit buildtheperot.com to find information about the new Perot Museum of Nature & Science in Victory Park as well as a live webcam chronicling our progress and click here to view the live webcam.

Where can I sign up for updates about the expansion project?

Visit the Contact page at buildtheperot.com.

Where can I donate to the Expansion?

Click here to learn about donating to the Perot Museum of Nature & Science.

Contribute to MNS:

Where can I find opportunities to volunteer at the Museum?

Information on volunteering can be found on the Volunteer Opportunities page.

I have something I'd like to donate to the Museum's collections. How can I do that?

Please contact the Museum's Collections Manager, Karen Morton, at 214-428-5555 Ext. 1454 or at kmorton@natureandscience.org. Please provide as much information about the items to be donated as possible (taxidermy, fossils, what kind, how many, quality, etc.), photographs are very helpful. All offers will be reviewed by the Curator who will make the final decision.

I would like to make a monetary contribution to the Museum or donate in other ways. How can I do that?

For information on donation options, please visit our donations page.

If this page was unable to answer your question, please refer to the "Contact Us" page or call 214-428-5555.

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Discover Construction Press Release – August 2011PDF
Discover Super Powers Media Alert - June 2011PDF
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Discover Dinosaurs Press Release - June 2011PDF
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Casey Anderson Media Alert —PDF
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MNS Calendar Listings - 04-11 —PDF
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Beer & Bones Press Release, March 2011 — HTML |

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Summer Camp Press Release, June 2011 —

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MNS Calendar Listings, June 2011 —

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Dolphins Press Release, June 2011 —

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Beer & Bones Press Release, June 2011 —PDF
Spring Break Camp 2011 Press Release, March 2011 —

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Shark Jaw Media Alert, March 2011 — HTML |

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Chinasaurs Breakfast Media, May 2011 —

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Chinasaurs Sea Rex Opening Press Release - May 2011 —

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Chinasaurs Opening Media Alert, May 2011—

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MNS Spring Break Calendar for DMN, March 2011 — HTML |

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MNS Hosts Superbowl's Super Huddle, January 2011 — HTML |

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FIRST LEGO® League Finals — Alert, January 2011 — HTML |

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FIRST LEGO® League Finals — Press Release, January 2011 — HTML |

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FIRST LEGO® League Winners — Press Release, January 2011 — HTML |

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FLL 2011 Final Rankings, January 2011 — HTML |

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FLL Tournament Schedule, January 2011 — PDF
MNS Curator Discovers New Bird Species Press Release, January 2011 — HTML |

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Math Midway Alert, January 2011 — HTML |

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MNS Calendar Listings, January 2011 — HTML |

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Triceratops Skeleton Visits MNS — HTML |

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MNS New Year's Day Media Alert, January 2011 — HTML |

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11/19/10 Press Release for Bugs — HTML |

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11/03/10 Discover Reptiles & Other Critters — HTML |

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10/26/10 Sea Monsters Press Release — HTML |

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10/04/10 Dinosaurs Unearthed Advanced Press Release —

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10/01/10 Prehistoric Package Press Release —

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09/23/10 MNS State Fair Press Release —

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08/20/10 Water Closing —

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08/11/10 Discover Fine Arts —

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07/29/10 Fall calendar release —

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07/20/10 Science Education —

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07/15/10 Summer calendar release —

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07/12/10 Water Exhibit —

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06/25/10 Discover Transportation —

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06/08/10 Discover Water —

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05/07/10 T Rex Appearance —

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04/24/10 Discover Dinosaurs Festival —

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04/06/10 Discovery Days 2010 —

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03/18/10 Fossil Bird —

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03/09/10 Connecting a Million Minds —

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03/02/10 Haynes and Boone Sponsorship —

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Nicole Small, CEO —

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Sally Pietsch, CFO —

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Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, Curator —

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Terrell Falk, COO —

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Sarah Caughron, Lead Educator of Earth and Space Programs —

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Dr. Ron Tykoski, Chief Preparator —

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Dr. Jason Treadway, Applied Science Lead —

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MNS Horizontal B&W Logo — JPEG
MNS Horizontal Logo — JPEG
MNS Vertical B&W Logo — JPEG
MNS Vertical Logo — JPEG

Museum History —

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Museum Overview —

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3535 Grand Avenue and 1318 S. 2nd Avenue in Fair Park Phone: 214-428-5555 FAX: 214-428-4356 email: info@natureandscience.org

MNS is an AAM accredited institution that is the result of the merger of the Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Science Place, and the Dallas Children's Museum, supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and HP.