(828) 254-7162

Frequently Asked Questions

When is AMOS open? How much is admission?

Please see our Hours and Admission, available on the HOME page. Please note: museum hours are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information in the event of holidays or extreme weather events, give us a call at 828-254-7162, or visit our social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram).

AMOS is closed on the following annual holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

How do I get to the museum?

AMOS is located in the heart of Downtown Asheville at 43 Patton Avenue, between Haywood Street and Lexington Ave., right where Church St. intersects Patton Ave. AMOS is within easy walking distance of several of Asheville’s iconic locations, including Prichard Park and Pack Square. If you are arriving by public transit, the nearest bus station is College Street at Haywood Street (Stop ID 973) served by the 170, E1, E2, N1, and N2 routes. The nearest Gray Line Historic Trolley Tour stop is the Haywood Park Hotel (Stop 5) at 1 Battery Park Avenue.

Where should I park?

AMOS does not have a parking lot, and we are unable to validate parking.

For Downtown Asheville Parking information visit:

Asheville Parking Services

Buncombe County Parking Services

Is AMOS primarily for children?

Many of our exhibitions are ideal for ages 3-12, however we also have plenty to appeal to science enthusiasts of all ages, and we’re continually adding & updating our exhibits. We especially recommend the Colburn Hall of Minerals and our Panorama Screen for Planetary Exploration for more advanced learners. Check out our Exhibits page to see more about what to expect from your visit; learn more about upcoming activities & events on our Event Calendar!

May I take photographs inside the museum?

Absolutely! Photography of our collections and exhibitions for personal use is encouraged. We would love to see your photos, too, so feel free to tag us on any of our social media channels! Please be advised that photography and videography should not disrupt the movement or experiences of other guests.

Do you have WIFI?

Of course! Ask at the Front Desk for information to connect to our guest network.

Is AMOS accessible to visitors with disabilities?

AMOS fully complies with all ADA requirements for visitors with disabilities. In addition, wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis upon request for elderly and disabled visitors.

Are animals allowed in the museum?

ADA Trained/Certified service animals are welcome at AMOS if providing assistance to individuals with disabilities and under the control of their handler at all times during their visit.

Are food and drinks allowed in the museum?

Bottled water is permitted, but all other food and drinks are not permitted within AMOS beyond the check in area. Please finish all food and drink in the lobby prior to entering. Containers of baby food, formula, breast milk, and juice for infants or toddlers are permitted in reasonable quantities.

How large is AMOS?

We are fairly small, but still growing! Currently AMOS encompasses one floor, with three main exhibit and activity spaces: The Colburn Hall of Minerals, our hands-on exhibit gallery and our STEAM lab where the activities are new and different each day. Most people spend 1-2 hours exploring our museum.

Is there a space to store coats, bags, and strollers?

AMOS has limited space in public areas of the museum to hang coats (we offer a coat rack), and we do not have a coat check service or private storage area for personal belongings. Strollers may be left near the coat rack and/or the lobby area at the discretion of the staff. Please be aware that space is limited and not guaranteed.

When is the museum store open and do we need to pay admission to visit the store?

Store hours are the same as museum hours. Please refer to our Hours and Admission on the HOME page. No admission fee is required to visit and shop our store, which is located just inside the main entrance past the admissions desk. Check out our Museum Store page to see what we have…. in store!

Who do I speak to concerning monetary donations to the museum?

AMOS is a private nonprofit institution that relies on a variety of funding sources for its programs and exhibitions, and monetary donations are greatly appreciated!

If you are interested in becoming an individual or corporate donor, visit the Support Us page, donate directly with PayPal Giving Fund, or reach out to us at info@ashevillescience.org. Donations are fully tax-deductible.

I have an object I’d like to donate to AMOS. May I drop it off for review?

Front desk staff cannot accept any items to be considered for acquisition. We are not currently actively seeking additions to our museum or education collections. Donations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Collections may also be considered for temporary exhibition in our Community Exhibit Space. AMOS dose NOT evaluate specimens to provide value estimates. Please reach out to abryant@ashevillescience.org to discuss any potential donations or loans.

Can AMOS help with identification or other questions about a fossil, rock, or mineral that I have found?

Although we are science enthusiasts, members of our museum staff do not have the training to answer questions definitively regarding the identification or value of any fossil, rock, or mineral. In some cases, rocks and minerals can’t be reliably identified by look and feel alone, and may require scientific tests to confirm their chemical composition. The following reputable organizations are able to help people with identification questions and/or run tests:

Download a copy of W-9 Form

AMOS W9 2020

Health and Safety at AMOS

The health and safety of our guests is always a top priority. A janitorial crew works every night to clean the entire facility and all exhibits. In addition, our staff cleans and disinfects our exhibit play areas and high traffic surfaces regularly.

AMOS adheres to the safety procedures and protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Buncombe County Health and Human Services, and Buncombe County Emergency Services, as well as our museum professional associations. We are also working closely with our community partners to stay informed and adopt best practices where appropriate.

Guests are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings, adhere to social distancing guidelines, and wash/sanitize their hands frequently.

And, as always, we remind all visitors and staff that the best way to prevent the spread of germs is to stay home if feeling unwell.

For any questions or concerns, contact us at info@ashevillescience.org or call 828-254-7162. On behalf of Team AMOS, we thank you for helping us maintain a clean and safe facility, and we wish you and your family good health.