Frequently Asked Questions

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Pre-Visit Information>>

How much does a school visit cost?
School/Youth visits price is $5.00 per person (students and chaperones) for K-12 groups, $10.00 per person for college groups. This price is only available with advance reservations and when paid in one sum.

What does a school visit entail?
When you arrive at EMP|SFM, a Group Facilitator will greet you. He or she will process your tickets and give your group a 10-minute orientation to the museum. After your orientation, you will be free to tour the museum on your own. You will have access to all museum galleries. There is no time limit to your visit within the posted hours of operation.

How much time should I allot for my group to visit?
We recommend that you plan 2 to 3 hours for your visit.

What are the restrictions on group size?
We ask that your group consist of 15 or more people and be no larger than 190 people.

How do I make a reservation?
To make a reservation, please use the online reservation form, call 206.770.2766 or fax the PDF to 206.262.3663 attn: School Groups.

The date/time I want to visit is not available. What should I do?
We take reservations on a first-come, first-served basis every half hour Monday-Friday from 10:00 am-3:30 pm. If the time you want to visit is not available, we either (1) already have a reservation from another group or (2) we are not able to take a reservation at that time for other business reasons. Please choose a different day or time.

We recommend that you make your reservation at least one month in advance in order to get your preferred visit time.

What form of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, all major credit cards, school or organization checks, and purchase orders. We do not accept personal checks. Payment will be collected on the day of your visit. Payment must be made in one transaction per group.

Can I use my membership for admission on the day my group visits?
Coupons, vouchers and memberships cannot be used in conjunction with education group ticket purchases.

Members are welcome to go to the lobby and obtain their own tickets and be excluded from the total count of the group.

Are there a maximum number of chaperones?
No, only a minimum number.

Where should I park?
You may use the Harrison street turnaround for loading and unloading only. You may not park in the turnaround. We suggest parking at the Seattle Center parking lot at 5th Avenue North and Harrison. You are responsible for all parking fees. Parking fees may vary. Non-festival, weekday rates are usually $5-$8 per car, $10 per bus.

Information on bus parking at Seattle Center >>

Are we allowed to leave and come back within the same day?
Yes. Each person in your group will get a hand stamp, allowing re-entrance to the museum.

Where should we eat lunch?
We recommend eating in the Center House food court at Seattle Center. There are plenty of tables to accommodate large groups. The museum also has the Revolution Cafe for quick service food and beverage. If you would like to bring lunches we can check those for you. We do not have a space for groups to eat sack lunches at EMP|SFM.

What if my group numbers change?
Since we will issue tickets when you arrive, if your total fluctuates by 10 percent or less we will not need to be notified. If there is a major change please contact us so we can update your reservation.

Other questions?
Please email schoolvisit@empsfm.org or call 206.770.2766.

Make a school group reservation online >>

Pre-Visit Information >>