African American Museum -- food not allowed?

[Anonymous]

We have always brought bagged lunches into the Smithsonian museums and it has never been a problem. I see on the African Amer. Museum site of FAQs that it says no food and drink allowed.

Was this your experience?

[Anonymous]

The main site for the Smithsonian museums says that properly secured bagged lunches and drinks are allowed in all the museums. Yet the African American FAQs says that food/drink isn't allowed.

Confusing.

[Anonymous]

Sackler, Freer, NMAI, and the Museum of African Art also do not allow outside food.

[Anonymous]

NMAAHC has an excellent restaurant on the first level below ground. There's always a huge line.

Not sure if the other museums which do allow outside food have the same.

[Anonymous]

Food is a part of the museum experience, OP. It's a large part of the African American experience. Same for the NMAI.

If you'd like to eat your bagged lunch outside, go ahead. There's plenty of space on the Mall.

[Anonymous]

Most of the Smithsonian museums prohibit food, some prohibit water bottles. Read the museum website.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most of the Smithsonian museums prohibit food, some prohibit water bottles. Read the museum website.

No, they don't. I DID read the website and it specifically says that bagged lunches ARE allowed. (in the main Smithsonian website: "Bag lunches and beverages that are properly closed and secured may be carried through the museums or stored in lockers during your visit.")

I don't have time to spend in line at the museum lunch line. We want to use as much time as possible seeing the displays. So, eating their food (and waiting in lines as a PP mentioned) is not part of our experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Food is a part of the museum experience, OP. It's a large part of the African American experience. Same for the NMAI.

If you'd like to eat your bagged lunch outside, go ahead. There's plenty of space on the Mall.

If my entry is at 11:00 (or earlier), I'm not going to eat my lunch at 10:30. I need to take it with me into the museum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the Smithsonian museums prohibit food, some prohibit water bottles. Read the museum website.

No, they don't. I DID read the website and it specifically says that bagged lunches ARE allowed. (in the main Smithsonian website: "Bag lunches and beverages that are properly closed and secured may be carried through the museums or stored in lockers during your visit.")

I don't have time to spend in line at the museum lunch line. We want to use as much time as possible seeing the displays. So, eating their food (and waiting in lines as a PP mentioned) is not part of our experience.

So buy from a food truck outside. Or arrange your visit to fall between lunch and dinner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Food is a part of the museum experience, OP. It's a large part of the African American experience. Same for the NMAI.

If you'd like to eat your bagged lunch outside, go ahead. There's plenty of space on the Mall.

If my entry is at 11:00 (or earlier), I'm not going to eat my lunch at 10:30. I need to take it with me into the museum.

Eat brunch at 10. It will hold you this once.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the Smithsonian museums prohibit food, some prohibit water bottles. Read the museum website.

No, they don't. I DID read the website and it specifically says that bagged lunches ARE allowed. (in the main Smithsonian website: "Bag lunches and beverages that are properly closed and secured may be carried through the museums or stored in lockers during your visit.")

I don't have time to spend in line at the museum lunch line. We want to use as much time as possible seeing the displays. So, eating their food (and waiting in lines as a PP mentioned) is not part of our experience.

So buy from a food truck outside. Or arrange your visit to fall between lunch and dinner.

You don't understand timed entry tickets that are doled out 3 months ahead, do you?

[Anonymous]

OK, thanks for all the great suggestions on how to work around a rule that conflicts with the larger Smithsonian rule posted on their website.

Has anyone ACTUALLY been there and brought food in or been turned away?

[Anonymous]

FAQs say no food and drink. So no food and drink. Your bags are searched when you enter. Just do what they ask. Geez.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the Smithsonian museums prohibit food, some prohibit water bottles. Read the museum website.

No, they don't. I DID read the website and it specifically says that bagged lunches ARE allowed. (in the main Smithsonian website: "Bag lunches and beverages that are properly closed and secured may be carried through the museums or stored in lockers during your visit.")

I don't have time to spend in line at the museum lunch line. We want to use as much time as possible seeing the displays. So, eating their food (and waiting in lines as a PP mentioned) is not part of our experience.

So buy from a food truck outside. Or arrange your visit to fall between lunch and dinner.

You don't understand timed entry tickets that are doled out 3 months ahead, do you?

I’ve been six times so I understand that you can choose AM or PM entry. I also understand that you can shift your meal times to accommodate a one day experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, thanks for all the great suggestions on how to work around a rule that conflicts with the larger Smithsonian rule posted on their website.

Has anyone ACTUALLY been there and brought food in or been turned away?

Nope because I visited their website before I went the first time and I decided to respect their rules in their space instead of trying to sneak in PB&Js and juice boxes. Be sure to update when your bag is searched and you are told you can’t enter with your baggies of Pirate Booty.