Tips & Policies

Plan ahead: Learn more about our updated venue operations & safety protocols.

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How long does it take to visit Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation?

There is so much to see and do at The Henry Ford, there really is no set amount of time spent that will suit every visitor. We suggest combo deals and special offer tickets, including the Museum Insider's Tour, if you are interested in a “deep dive” into all of our exhibitions and programs. However, you do not need much time at all to be inspired by our brand of history—a couple of well-placed hours are all it takes for a great visit. See My Must Sees for an overview.

How do I find out what special events are happening during my visit?

Visit the Current Events section for all current and future events here at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. You may also call the Call Center at 313-982-6001 for more information.

Are all the cars in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation Fords?

No, our collection is a kaleidoscope of many cars important in the evolution of the automotive industry and culture in America and across the world.

Do you need advanced reservations?

Advanced reservations are required for groups of 15 or more and strongly recommended for the Giant Screen Experience. For smaller groups of guests visiting Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation or Greenfield Village, no reservations are necessary. Please purchase your Giant Screen Experience tickets either on our website or by calling our Call Center at 313-982-6001. Group reservations must be made through our Call Center at the same number. The Henry Ford Call Center is open 7 days a week, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Are pets allowed at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation?

The Henry Ford abides by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and allows service animals — that is, animals trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability — into all public areas. Dogs and miniature horses are the only animals recognized as service animals by federal and state law. Service animals are required to be under control at all times by their owners. This means they must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the animal’s work or the owner’s disability. In such cases, the owner must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.

The owner of a service animal may be asked to remove the animal from the premises if the animal is out of control and the owner does not take effective action to control it or if the animal is not housebroken. If the animal’s behavior warrants its removal from The Henry Ford, the animal’s handler can stay without the animal. Please note that service animals will be in close proximity to animals in Greenfield Village, including horses, sheep and chickens.

The Henry Ford abides by the ADA regarding the admission of service animals because they perform a specific job. However, animals such as “comfort animals,” “therapy animals,” “companion animals" or “emotional support animals” are not service animals as defined by the ADA because they are not trained to perform a specific task for an individual with a disability. Therefore, they are not allowed into The Henry Ford.

May I bring my stroller, wheelchair, or electric scooter to The Henry Ford?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own children’s strollers, small wagons, wheelchairs, or electric scooters (carts) into all venues of The Henry Ford. Children’s strollers are available for rent on a first come, first served basis for $5 per day in the Welcome Center. Children’s wagons are available for rent on a first come, first served basis for $5 per day at the Greenfield Village ticket building. Rentals require a current driver’s license to leave at the renting desk. Please note that on busy days (holidays, large/special events, and summer weekends), wagons rent out quickly and may not be available- it may be wise to make other arrangements. Complimentary children’s strollers are available at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour Visitor Center upon request. We do not allow bicycles, tricycles, recreational scooters, in-line skates, or roller skates of any kind. The Henry Ford recognizes that some guests with mobility impairments use the Segway as a mobility device. As part of our commitment to making all reasonable efforts to ensure that our facility is accessible to guests with disabilities, individuals with mobility impairments are permitted to use Segway devices. Individuals without mobility impairments are not permitted to operate Segways at The Henry Ford. Segways that are used must be brought by the guest. We do not rent Segways. Segways must be operated in a manner that does not compromise the safety of the user, other guests, or the infrastructure of buildings. Please contact us at accessibility@thehenryford.org if you have questions or will need to use a Segway on your upcoming visit.

How do we get to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation?

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is located in Dearborn, Michigan on the corner of Village Road and Oakwood Boulevard, just west of the Southfield Freeway (M-39) and south of Michigan Avenue (US-12).

Detailed Directions and Maps

What are the hours of Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation?

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is open seven days a week, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Greenfield Village is open Thursday-Sunday from April 17 - May 31, 2021 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Ford Rouge Factory Tour is open 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday; buses depart every 20 minutes, 9:20 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Giant Screen Experience is open daily; see Showtimes.

The Henry Ford is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

May I bring food or drink into Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation?

Yes, you are welcome to bring a small amount of food or beverage into The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation; however, we have many on-site vending, snack areas, and one-of-a-kind restaurants to suit your needs. Outside alcohol is not allowed, but beer and wine are available for purchase daily and at many events.

What is your policy on smoking?

Effective May 1, 2010, Michigan State Law prohibits smoking in areas controlled by a state or local government agency, places of employment, restaurants, bars, and hotels in the state of Michigan. Smoking on The Henry Ford properties is prohibited except in designated areas. Designated areas are signed as such.

Guests to The Henry Ford may smoke in their vehicles.

Guests to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and the Giant Screen Experience are permitted to smoke outside the west side of the Museum under the Giant Screen Experience banners and at the east (Michigan Café) end of the Museum on the sidewalk next to the yellow service gate on Lovett Road.

Guests that smoke in non-smoking areas of Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation will be asked to stop and move to the areas where smoking is permitted.

Guests who do not comply will be asked to leave Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation premises.

What is Code of Conduct, Rules & Regulations for Guests of The Henry Ford?

The Henry Ford seeks to provide a world-class history attraction experience in an environment that is safe, clean and comfortable. To accomplish this, we have adopted a Code of Conduct, Rules & Regulations for our guests. Any behavior that is disruptive to the experience of other visitors or is destructive toward exhibits, artifacts, or the general facilities cannot be tolerated. Persons who violate these rules will be asked to leave the premises and may lose membership and/or admittance privileges. Violations perceived as criminal may result in arrest and prosecution.

What do I need to know about accessibility at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation?

Go to The Henry Ford's accessibility page to find answers to common questions about accessibility at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

What is a membership?

Memberships to The Henry Ford are annual passes that include unlimited entry to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village and discounts on tickets to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, the Giant Screen Experience, and special events. Membership also includes free parking, discounts at our retail stores, discounts on classes and camps, and the exclusive member magazine Living History. You also have the opportunity to add a ride pass to your standard membership, which allows unlimited rides for anyone covered by the membership. See more information about membership at The Henry Ford or ask a Call Center Representative for more details.

How do I donate an artifact?

The collections of The Henry Ford, defined as objects, photographs, books, periodicals, manuscripts, moving images, and recordings, are the primary tools and resources for providing authentic, effective historical experiences. Please use this procedure for all potential object donations or purchases for The Henry Ford's collections.

We follow this policy to maintain the integrity of the museum's collections and to ensure the safety of an artifact before being officially accepted into the collections:

• Submit all potential donations or purchases in writing, directed to the Benson Ford Research Center (see contact information below).
• Describe the object, including any model numbers, manufacturers' names, and the measurements
• Write a short statement about the owner’s intention to donate or sell the object.
• Include a photograph or photocopy of the object with your letter.

Once the Benson Ford Research Center receives your written proposal, staff assigns a tracking number and forwards the letter to the curator in charge of the appropriate object area. The curator researches the history of the object and determines if the object meets the criteria established by the museum for acceptance into the collections. The criteria include but are not limited to whether the artifact advances the museum's mission statement.

When an object meets the criteria, the curator then recommends a proposed object to the Collections Committee, which is responsible for shaping and developing the museum's collections. The committee then approves or rejects the proposed object. This process often takes many weeks. We appreciate your patience.

Do not bring any artifact to The Henry Ford before contacting us in writing. Please send your potential object donation letter to:

Benson Ford Research Center
The Henry Ford
P.O. Box 1970
Dearborn, MI 48121-1970 USA
FAX: 313-982-6244
E-mail: research.center@thehenryford.org 

Thank you for your interest in the collections of The Henry Ford!

Do you do appraisals?

The Henry Ford does not offer an appraisal service, but there are organizations that can direct you to a reputable antique dealer in your area. Appraisers often specialize in a particular field. In order to locate a professional in the field in which you are particularly interested, we suggest that you contact one (or both) of the following national organizations for specific information.

American Society of Appraisers
555 Herndon Parkway, Suite 125
Herndon, VA 20170
703-478-2228
FAX: 703-742-8471
Email: asainfo@appraisers.org
Website: http://www.appraisers.org/

Appraisers Association of America
386 Park Avenue South, Suite 2000
New York, NY 10016
212-889-5404
FAX: 212-889-5503
Email: aaal@rcn.com
Website: http://www.appraisersassociation.org/