- No back-worn baby carriers or children on shoulders are allowed.
- Soft, front-facing carriers and strollers are allowed.
- Small, single-baby strollers are permitted in the galleries.
- No oversized strollers, such as double strollers or jogging strollers, are allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit
Welcome to the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center’s FAQ section!
Here, you’ll find answers to common questions to help make your visit enjoyable and hassle-free.
Accessibility
- Is the museum wheelchair accessible? Yes!
- Do you offer hearing-assisted devices or sign-language interpreters? Not currently.
- Are service animals allowed? Yes! Please review our Pet Policy for more details.
Code of conduct
- SYCM&CC will not tolerate inappropriate behavior, including, but not limited to, yelling, violence, intimidation, threats, harassment, aggression, swearing, damage, abuse, or sexual harassment.
- Individuals who are aggressive toward staff or other visitors will be expelled from the SYCM&CC and escorted off the property by our Public Safety team.
- Please always wear shirts and shoes.
- No roughhousing at any time.
- No climbing on the premises.
- No weapons on the premises.
Audio tours
Baby carriers and strollers
Children
Children under 13 years of age must be accompanied by a legal adult who is at least 18 years old.
Facilities and amenities
- Gift Shop: Our gift shop is available and open to guests without an admission ticket.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available and equipped with baby-changing stations.
- Coat check: Not available.
- Do you have a lost and found? Yes, it is located in the Welcome Gallery at the Information Desk.
- Is there Wi-Fi available for visitors? Yes, it is labeled ‘SYCMCC-Guest’ network (no password required).
- Storage and lockers: We do not have lockers. Any oversized baggage will need to be stored in your vehicle or at home.
Food and drinks policy
- Are food and drinks allowed inside? We allow water bottles but no food inside the museum.
- Is smoking allowed at the property? In designated smoking areas only.
- Is it ok to bring my own food or drinks? Yes, but no food or drinks are allowed in the exhibit area. Please keep food items stored in your vehicle until you are ready to eat. Guests can eat in designated outdoor areas.
Guided tours
Coming soon
Large bags or backpacks
Large bags (more than 13 x 12 x 4 inches) of any type are not permitted. Please wear permitted backpacks on the front. All bags are subject to inspection.
Lost and found
Lost an item during your visit? Report your lost item by filling out this form. CLICK HERE.
Pet policy
Are pets allowed? No, except service animals.
The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum & Cultural Center is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. To protect our valuable collections and ensure a positive experience for all, we have adopted a no-pet policy.
Except for service animals, pets are not allowed on the museum premises. This includes all areas of the museum, including galleries, restrooms, gift shop, and outdoor spaces.
Service Animals: Service animals are defined as dogs that are trained to assist individuals with disabilities. Service animals are allowed in all areas of the museum.
Guests with service animals must always have the animal under control, which means the service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the person’s disability prevents the use of these devices.
If these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the person’s disability prevents the use of these devices, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA): The SYCM&CC does not allow Emotional Support Animals (ESA) inside the museum. Emotional Support Animals, Comfort Animals, or Therapy Animals do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
Enforcement: Museum staff will ask guests with pets to remove their animals from the premises. If a guest refuses to comply, they may be asked to leave the museum. If the service animal is out of control or not housebroken, the handler will be required to remove the dog from the premises.
Photography and video
- Is photography/video allowed in the exhibits? No flash photography. Photography and videography without flash are permitted, except where otherwise specified.
- Photos and videos can only be taken for private, non-commercial use. If you are interested in using an image of an object on display or elsewhere in our collection, please email us at collections@sychumashmuseum.org.
Safety and security
- What safety protocols are in place, especially concerning recent global events like the COVID-19 pandemic? We have a state-of-the-art surveillance system throughout the property.
- Our Public Safety team will be onsite and patrolling the property during business hours.
- We also have an EMT team available.
- We have first-aid stations throughout the property.
- We also have a defibrillator and bleeding control station in the Welcome Gallery.
Sketching and/or painting
Can I sketch or paint inside the museum? No, only outdoors.
Ticket refunds
Admission tickets are non-refundable. One date change is permitted when requested 24 hours prior to the original day of visit.