Visitors planning to bring comparative material into the MSC facility must notify Collections Management Staff prior to their arrival. A list of specimens being brought into the building must be presented, along with the specimens, to the shipping officer. Go to Top Arrival and Check-in Professional visitors to NMNH research and collections areas are asked to first check in at the guard station located in the Constitution Avenue entrance lobby. For extended visits of more than 1 week, it may be possible to arrange for a visiting scientist ID badge. After registering with security, visitors are then asked to notify the host unit of their arrival.
Security regulations require that guests be escorted totheir work station by a Smithsonian employee.
All guests are requested to register their visit by also signing the guest register of their host unit. Additional registration procedures may be required for specific units. Unit administrative staff distributes general supplies and can provide information on parking, lodging, etc. The sponsoring scientist or collections manager will assist the scientific needs of professional visitors. Parking is very limited at NMNH, but fully available at the Museum Support Center.