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Rules for visitors and participants in activities

1) Underage visitors must be accompanied by adults at all times when visiting the MHNC-UP.

2) The MHNC-UP does not allow running, playing football, creating disturbances, littering, and other uncivil and indecent behaviours that might interfere with visitors’ experience and safety and/or risk the integrity of the equipment, materials, and infrastructure.

3) Filming or photographing for commercial purposes without prior and clear permission from the MHNC-UP is not allowed in any of the spaces;

4 ) At the Core Pole of the Museum and the Hall of Biodiversity – Ciência Viva Centre:

  • Visitors must present a ticket at the entrance, which must be kept throughout the visit, as it could be required at other points within the premises;
  • All visitors entitled to special discounts when purchasing tickets must present the documentation to prove it;
  • The maximum capacity of the space is of 400 and 500 people respectively. Access can, however, be restricted at any moment for security reasons;
  • Wheelchair users and visitors with small children in pushchairs have priority in accessing the lift;
  • The instructions given by invigilating, supervising, accompanying and support staff must be respected at all times;
  • Visitors are not allowed to touch the exhibited objects. These might include paintings, sculptures, animals, among others. The interactive elements of the exhibits are clearly marked as such;
  • Leaning on walls, hand rails, and balconies is not allowed;
  • Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted, except in areas clearly marked for such purposes or indicated as appropriate by MHNC-UP staff;
  • Umbrellas, bags, tripods, or any other objects that could risk the safeguarding of equipment and exhibition pieces must be left at reception;
  • Visitors are not allowed to use flash photography, tripods, or selfie sticks when taking authorised pictures of their experience;
  • For the space and visitors’ safety and protection, CCTV cameras are operating at all times.

5) At the Botanical Garden of Porto:

  • Vehicles are not allowed within the building, with the exception of bicycles for children under the age of 10 when accompanied by adults;
  • Plants are meant to be used for scientific research purposes and as exhibition pieces and, as such, visitors are not allowed to collect them or their components (flowers, fruits, or branches);
  • In historical and succulent gardens, circulation is limited to the existing pathways;
  • Visitors ought not to damage pathways or structures, nor remove identification labels;
  • Trespassing and damaging property is not allowed. This includes climbing over fences or walls, climbing trees, engraving on tree trunks, and gluing or nailing posters;
  • The Garden is not to be used as a place for games, picnics, meetings, or rallies. The usage of the space for purposes other than visits is subject to the directives of the MHNC-UP’s rulebook;
  • The circulation through the space ought to be done quietly and calmly, so as to avoid disturbing the existing fauna and the other visitors;
  • Starting fires and entering lakes or tanks is not allowed.

6 ) Specifics for group visits:

  • Prior bookings are mandatory and depend on the availability of the MHNC-UP. Bookings must be scheduled a week in advance, from Tuesdays to Fridays;
  • Paying for group visits can be done through bank transfer. Proof of payment must be sent to the MHNC-UP before the day of the visit;
  • The booking is only valid when confirmed by the MHNC-UP;
  • The number of participants per group might vary between 10 and 20 individuals, with larger groups being divided into subgroups;
  • Groups must be at reception 15 minutes before the visit is due to start, in order to guarantee its timely start;
  • The maximum tolerance allowed for delays is of 15 minutes;
  • Young participants cannot take part in activities, visit the Museum or walk around its spaces unless accompanied by the teachers or adults responsible for them;
  • Teachers and chaperones cannot leave the group, nor speak on the phone (except for rare, short, and urgent phone calls), as they are responsible for ensuring that the rules are followed and the safety of the members of the group is safeguarded. The MHNC-UP does not accept any responsibility for failure to comply;
  • Cancellations ought to be 48 hours before the date of visit in order to get the payed amount refunded.

7) Specifics for themed birthday celebrations at the MHNC-UP:
  • Requests for booking must be submitted two weeks in advance;
  • The minimum number of participants is of 12 and maximum of 30;
  • The minimum age of participants is of 6 years-old and maximum of 12 years-old;
  • In case there are participants of ages below 6 years-old, these must be accompanied by an adult;
  • The amount paid for the booking will only be reimbursed if said booking is cancelled at least 5 working days prior to the date of the event;
  • Depending on the weather of the scheduled day, the theme might be subject to changes;
  • The decoration of the spaces is of the responsibility of the MHNC-UP. In exceptional cases and when requested in advance, specific elements can be incorporated in the decoration and might be subject to a negotiable additional charge;
  • The MHNC-UP does not accept any responsibility for the loss, damage, or theft of any personal items;
  • The celebratory meal or snacks can be brought by either parents or catering companies. The MHNC-UP is available to recommend catering services with pre-set adjustable menus;
  • Due to the MHNC-UP’s compromise to sustainability, and in line with its environmental policies, we appeal to the use of non-plastic materials and local products.
  • The use of equipment or devices (especially those that emit sounds) that interfere with the normal functioning of the MHNC-UP is not allowed.

8) As is clear on this document and at the entrance of MHNC-UP, visitors must respect any instructions given by invigilating, supervising, accompanying, and support staff.

9) The MHNC-UP does not accept responsibility for the improper use of its materials or resources, nor for the damage or harm caused by the dismissal of these rules.

10) The MHNC-UP is entitled to suspend visits any time the rules presented on this document are not being followed.


ACCESS RESTRICTIONS

  1. Backpacks, bags, suitcases, umbrellas, tripods and other unauthorised photographic or video equipment must be left at the entrance, in the spaces designed for that purpose and in accordance to the instructions of staff.
  2. Visitors with objects that cannot be safely stored at the reception, be it due to their value or nature, might be refused entrance.
  3. The MHNC-UP, including the Botanical Garden of Porto, refuses entry to all pets except guide dogs.
  4. In case of a large number of visitors, the MHNC-UP reserves the right to temporarily restrict access to its spaces.
  5. The MHNC-UP reserves the right to withhold access to rooms, areas, or specific sections of the Museum when necessary due to internal organisation issues and/or particular programmes.
  6. When accessing the reserve areas of the MHNC-UP, visitors must be accompanied by a member of the MHNC-UP team at all times.

The MHNC-UP thanks you for your visit and collaboration!