Getting Around

Marbles is equipped with entrance and exit ramps, an elevator, wide hallways and seating.

There are three adult-sized and three child-sized manual wheelchairs for loan that can be used across campus on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see staff at the Welcome Desk in the museum or concessions stand in the theater to request a wheelchair. We require a form of ID as a deposit.

There are two sets of crutches that can be borrowed. A form of ID is required as a deposit.

There is an elevator that provides access to the second floor of the museum, around the corner from the Welcome Desk.

Personal Care Attendant

Admission is complimentary for a Personal Care Attendant when accompanying guests with disabilities. This courtesy is extended to interpreters attending with sight or hearing impaired visitors.

Resources for Sensory Sensitivities

Plan Your Play!

Would you like to organize your play at Marbles? Print this picture map and bring it with you on your visit. Be prepared to have lots of fun!

Also available for check-out at the Welcome Desk:

• Laminated version of the Picture Map
• Create-Your-Own Picture Schedule
• Noise-Canceling Headphones (child and adult sizes)

Lights Up Sound Down IMAX Movies/Documentaries

Monthly sensory-sensitive screenings at Marbles IMAX for kids with special needs, young kids and their families. Learn More

Full Circle Programs

Full Circle provides free museum access through field trips, group visits, admission passes and events for preschools, families and organizations serving low-income and at-risk communities. Groups interested in participating in the program may contact Janine Eash at 919.857.1021 or fill out a Full Circle program form here. Participating organizations and classes must schedule their group visits in advance through group sales at 919.857.1049.

Family Science Club

Do you like to experiment? Do you enjoy building, making things and playing around with science?

Join the Marbles Family Science Club, a program for third graders and their families. Participants take part in monthly hands-on science learning and special events at Marbles and in the community. 

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at the museum. Upon arrival, please inform the Welcome Desk if a service animal will accompany you.

Non-service animals are not allowed on museum grounds.

North Carolina state law prohibits owners from leaving dogs and other pets unattended in a vehicle or in other under conditions that are likely to cause suffering, injury or death due to heat. Animal Control will be called if pets are noticed to be left unattended on museum grounds and deemed to be in unsafe conditions.

Restrooms

There are accessible restrooms downstairs across from the Welcome Desk and on the second floor outside of Kid Grid. There are accessible restrooms in the theater building past the concession stand and to the right.

There is one single-occupant or family restroom on the first floor of the museum in the Splash exhibit. Changing tables are available in all of our restrooms.

Nursing Parents

There is a private nursing room available on the first floor of the museum building, including a changing table in the room. If the room is occupied, please ask a staff member for an alternative private space. There is a Mamava lactation pod on the second floor of the museum building, in the Ideaworks exhibit. 

Food Allergies

Our Café can accommodate guests with food-related allergies.

While we do not use peanuts or peanut oil in the preparation of our menu items, we are not a nut free campus.

Guests with food allergies and sensitivities should alert staff when placing a food order.

View our Café menu here.

Medical & Emergency Assistance

Our staff are trained in basic first aid; staff are not medically trained. Please see the nearest staff member for assistance. Please note we do not provide common over-the-counter medicines. There are pharmacies in the area if needed.

Two Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) are located on campus, one in the museum building and one in the theater building. Staff are trained for proper use.

For medical and emergency assistance, find the nearest staff member and dial 911.