Frequently Asked Questions
When is the museum open?
The Gordon R Howard Museum Complex is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm., except for Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s, when applicable.
How do I get to the museum and where can I park?
Check out our directions and parking information on the home page.
Do you charge for admission?
Admission to the Gordon R Howard Museum Complex is free to the public, except for docent-led group tours. Group tours are available by appointment only and must have a minimum of 10 participants. The fee for a group tour is $5.00 per adult, and children 16 and under are free. To arrange for a docent-led group tour, please refer to the next line item below ‘Does the museum offer group tours?’.
Does the museum offer any special group tours? Do I need to arrange that in advance?
Yes, and yes. We offer docent-led group tours to the general public, and to our local area Burbank schools.
Docent-led group tours must be scheduled in advance for groups of 10 or more. The fee for our general group tour is $5.00 per adult, and children 16 and under are free.
Special school tours are also available to our local Burbank K-12 schools. School tours must be scheduled in advance and there is no admission fee for the participating students.
To schedule either of the tours mentioned above:
Email tour@burbankhistoricalsoc.org or call 818-841-6333.
Include your contact information (full name and phone number).
Specify the date you’d like to the schedule the tour.
Confirm the number of people in your group.
Does the museum schedule any special programs?
Yes, the museum typically offers a variety of special programs throughout the year. If you would like to be notified of any programs that are coming up, click here to sign up at the bottom of our home page.
Is the museum operated by the City of Burbank?
No. The Gordon R Howard Museum Complex is owned and operated by the Burbank Historical Society, a non-profit 501(c)3 founded in 1973 to collect and preserve Burbank’s history.
Can I become a member of the society?
YES! Membership in the society is a perfect way to take an active role in preserving our local history. Members sustain and support the programs and exhibits at the Gordon R Howard Museum Complex and allows us to keep the history of our community safe for generations to come. Become a member today by signing up here.
Is the museum handicap accessible? Can I bring a wheelchair or stroller?
Handicap parking is available in the parking lot at 1100 W Clark Avenue, and is situated directly in front of our main facility entrance.
Our main entrance is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and an elevator is available for access to the second floor.
Where are the restrooms located in the museum?
We have three restrooms available in our main facility. Two are located on the first floor – one to the far-right corner of the complex from the main entrance, and the other near the Lomita entrance between the Ray Sence Room and the Ranch Room. The third restroom is located on the second floor in the Collections Room.
Is photography allowed? Can I record a video during my visit?
Taking photos and recording videos is strictly prohibited in our Memorabilia Room for copyright reasons, but is acceptable for personal, non-commercial use in other areas of the museum complex. Please share your best pictures with us by tagging us.
Facebook: @BHSmuseum
Instagram: ghowardmuseum
Twitter: @BHSmuseum
YouTube: Burbank Historical Society
Pinterest: Burbank Historical Society
Can I bring in food or drinks?
To ensure the safety of our displays and artifacts, you cannot bring in food or drinks, but you can definitely enjoy a meal and refreshments in the park area directly in front of our Clark Street entrance. There are picnic benches available, as well as a playground for visitors with children.
What is there to eat around the Museum?
There are fast food and casual restaurants available within walking distance along Olive Avenue, in either direction from our Mentzer House. You will also have a variety of options if you proceed East on Olive towards Downtown Burbank and turn either left or right on San Fernando Road.