Having fun in the Tipi

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is there an American Museum here?

2. Why do I have to pay to see the American Museum?

The American Museum is a registered UK charity and non-profit organisation. Its mission is dedicated to ‘furthering the understanding of American culture and history to deepen and strengthen lasting ties between the two nations’. As an independent museum, it receives no government funds or tax revenues. Entrance fees help to pay for the upkeep of the museum’s collections, buildings and grounds, as well as help the museum to fulfil its mission.

3. Can I get to the American Museum by public transport?

Yes. Please click link

4. Why are you not open until midday?

As a registered charity we are keen to offer educational programmes to visiting school groups. We provide these programmes in the mornings so as not to disrupt the public visiting hours – although there is some overlap. Plans are in motion for a new Education Building to enable us to host student groups in an area not shared by the public. Once this new facility is in place, we would hope to extend the public hours into the morning.

5. Are you open all year? Can we arrange to visit when you are closed?

The museum’s season runs from mid March until the end of October. Christmas at Claverton runs from the third week in November to mid December. During the closed period there is a great deal of work going on behind the scenes, so unfortunately there are no visits permitted during the closed period.

6. How long should I allow for my visit?

We suggest that a visit to all areas of the museum, including the gardens and grounds, you should allow at least three hours

7. Is the museum wheelchair friendly?

For detailed information please click link

8. Can I take photographs?

Photography is not permitted in any of the museum buildings but you are welcome to take pictures outside in the grounds.

9. Baby Carriers, pushchairs and large rucksacks

Due to the narrow spaces in the main museum, and to prevent damage to the building or the museum’s collection, pushchairs and large rucksacks are not permitted in the museum building. We suggest that visitors do not arrive with large rucksacks as there are no facilities to store such items. Suitable baby carriers can be loaned from the Reception. There are baby changing facilities in the Exhibition Gallery.

9. Can I picnic in the grounds?

Yes, you may picnic in the grounds during regular public hours. We ask you to respect the beauty of the grounds and to remove all rubbish when you leave. Picnickers may not use the Orangery Café or terrace tables as these are reserved for café service. There is also a designated picnic area near the entrance gate, by the main car park.

10. Are dogs welcome?

Well behaved dogs are welcome in the grounds provided they are on a leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed in any of the museum buildings. Except assistance dogs.