Professor Caterina Pierre

Keeping a distance from the work of art

Museums require that visitors keep a safe distance between themselves and the artworks on view. Stay at least an “arm’s length” away from all works of art. Never point at a work of art using pens, pencils, any objects or fingers. Use your words to describe the artworks.

No Touching

Visitors are NEVER allowed to touch any works of art, frames, cases or pedestals inside a museum (unless there is a sign which permits it, but this is generally rare). This is because works of art can be easily damaged from the oils in our hands or through breakage. Do not touch anything.

No Noise

Although visitors are permitted to talk quietly about the works of art on view, loud talking, laughing, loud iPod use, or any kind of obnoxious or noisy behavior will not be tolerated. The museum guards have the right to escort visitors out of the museum if they are behaving in a manner that disturbs other visitors.

No Telephones

Visitors are not permitted to talk on cell phones in the galleries within the museum. Put your cell phone in silent or vibrate mode before entering the museum.

No Food

No food, gum or drinks are ever allowed to be taken into or consumed inside the galleries within the museum. Please eat before your visit and discard your food refuse before entering the museums.

Backpacks, bags, umbrellas, etc.

Large bags (that is, usually anything bigger than a pocketbook or small laptop bag) are generally not permitted to be brought into the galleries within the museum. If you bring a big bag or wet umbrella, arrive at the museum early so you can check it at the coat check. You are advised to bring a notebook and a pencil to write with, but try to bring as little with you as possible.

Cameras

Non-flash photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted in the permanent collections of most (but not all) museums. Photography is not permitted in special exhibitions. If you plan to take pictures, make sure your camera has a flash that can be turned off inside the museum. Cell phone cameras are permitted as long as the flash can be turned off.

Note taking with pencil only

Please bring pencils with you to the museums. If a guard sees you writing with a pen, they will ask you to put it away. This is because ink pens can cause damage to artworks, especially when visitors mistakenly use a pen as a "pointer."

Be respectful of the cultures being presented

World cultures representing different peoples, places, and belief systems are on view at museums. Be respectful of the objects that you see in the museum. You are in this class to learn about a variety of different world cultures. Foul language, insults directed at art objects or people in the galleries, or general foul behavior will not be tolerated.

No Smoking

Obviously smoking is not allowed inside museums.

Dress

Although you should be comfortable when visiting a museum, it is best if you avoid wearing inappropriate clothing to the museums (high heels, tee-shirts with foul language, etc.). You are advised wear comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking around the museum.