Please note: The museum and archives are closed on state holidays and several other days throughout the year. View the holiday schedule for complete information.

Parking at the Michigan Library and Historical Center is managed by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, Building and Parking Services. Visitor parking is located south of the building, with a $5 daily rate on weekdays. Weekend parking is free. Buses park for free every day; please see instructions below. Visitors should use the Kalamazoo Street entrance, turning onto the circle drive to enter the visitor parking lot.

Additional public parking is available north of the building across Allegan Street (east of the Hall of Justice and Vietnam Memorial). However, the north entrance of the Michigan Library and Historical Center building is not accessible to people who cannot use stairs.

Accessibility

Designated accessible parking is available at the barrier-free south entrance of the building.

Tips on using the automated parking system:

• This is a no cash, no coins system. Payment is credit card only: Visa, Mastercard and Discover.
• Press the “Scan Pass or Pay Fee” button on the screen.
• Insert credit card or tap to pay.
• You will be prompted to remove your credit card.
• Remove the ticket and the gate will open.

The exit gates will raise automatically when exiting the lot.

Bus drivers:

When you arrive, pull forward close to the entrance gate. Laser sensors will note your arrival and the gate will be opened from a remote location. This may take a moment, so please be patient. Buses never need to use a credit/debit card to open the gate. If there is a problem, please press the button on the gate for assistance. Park in the areas designated for bus parking. When exiting the lot, please follow the same procedure as when entering. The exit gate is located across the lot from the entrance gate.

• The main entrance off Kalamazoo Street is barrier-free and has designated accessible parking.
• Service animals are welcomed throughout this site.
• A wheelchair may be borrowed (subject to availability) by museum visitors. All museum exhibit spaces are wheelchair accessible.
• Videos and touch-screen computers in the third-floor exhibits offer a caption option.
• Every attempt will be made to provide a sign language interpreter, if requested. Please provide at least two weeks’ notice, if possible.

Personal photography without flash for private use is permitted in the museum and on the grounds. Photographs may not be published, sold or otherwise distributed for commercial purposes.

Photography for weddings and other special events is allowed in the museum during regular open hours with advance permission. Please contact us in advance to schedule a time. Download our non-commercial photography policy agreement for more information.

Pets accompanied by and under the control of their human friends may enjoy the grounds but may not enter the building.