How to Behave in a Museum or Art Gallery

We call it “edu-tainment” in the museum field; a cross between education and entertainment. But museums are not theme parks, nor are they cold boring places either. They are intended to give visitors an experience they will take with them for the rest of their lives. After working at the Smithsonian Institution for several years, I have learned that many visitors need a little guidance so they know how to make the most of their visit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A Nuseum
• Curiousity
• Self-Control

1. When you are in a museum do not run, yell, or disrupt the other visitors. Some museums want visitors to sit and contemplate the art they are displaying, while others are more interactive. Either way, it is necessary to be aware of others and to respect their space. In some cultural museums there are serious issues being addressed such as spirituality, genocide and sacred issues. Disturbing the other visitors in these situations is not only rude, it is disrespectful.
2. Don’t bring food or chew gum in a museum. There are many reasons, but the most important is that any food left behind will attract insects. These insects will destroy paintings, textiles and rare books.
3. Do not use a flash when taking a photograph of artwork, and check with security if you are allowed to take a photograph at all. The light from the flash does damage and causes the coloring to fade. In other cultural situations, some objects are not intended to be photographed.
4. Keep an eye on your children and make sure they are with you at all times. I cannot emphasize this enough. Museums can be very crowded and the last thing a parent wants is a missing child. No one ever wants to be in that situation.
5. Do not touch the artwork. There are hands-on exhibits in many museums today, and those are wonderful opportunities to touch, play, and interact. But for the more traditional museums, definitely keep your hands to yourself. In fact, take a few steps back just to make sure. There are oils on human hands and when that residue is placed on artwork, it can damage it over time.
6. Please be respectful of the culture being represented. This is one of my biggest professional peeves. After working in a museum that represented Native cultures, it amazed me how people felt it was appropriate to make fun of people by “playing Indian”. If you are going to a cultural museum, try to learn about the culture rather than ridiculing it.
7. Don’t smoke in or near the museum. Clearly smoking isn’t allowed in a museum due to the smell and various safety reasons. But some museums put a lot of care and maintenance into their landscaping, which often highlights artwork as well. Some of this landscaping is also part of the museum where they teach botany, horticulture and science. If you toss your lit cigarette into the bushes on a dry summer day, you may start a fire, not to mention a very unsightly piece of trash in a museum display
8. Don’t bring large bags in with you. Security is often placed at the entrance of the museum along with metal detectors. When you have large amounts of stuff with you, it causes a longer line behind you. It also can make it hard to navigate the museum on a crowded day. Keep the minimum amount with you, and try to leave the rest at home or in a locker a train station.

Tips & Warnings

• Some museums have hands-on displays that allow visitors to interact with the exhibit. If you aren't sure if you are allowed to touch, ask a security guard.
• Go in the early morning or on a weekday. Museums get very crowded on the weekends.
• Keep an eye on your children. The really want to touch everything.
• If you are traveling with a school group, be sure you have enough chaperones so no one gets lost or out of control.