No one likes a bad tourist. And, as the old adage goes, you’re only a tourist once, but an Amateur twice. So before you set off on your next museum outing, make sure to brush up on your etiquette skills. If you don’t, you may end up making a mistake that could ruin your experience.
This article will discuss some of the most common museum etiquette errors and provide tips on avoiding them. Let’s get started!
1. Be Quiet
Museums can be a place of learning and reflection, so it’s essential to be respectful and keep noise levels down. Talking loudly, using your phone, or making other loud noises can disrupt others trying to enjoy the museum experience.
Keep the volume to a minimum, as well. If you want to explore every nook and cranny of the museum, don’t let your voice be heard by other patrons while trying to focus on something in detail. It’s so rude.
2. No Cell Phones
This is another noisy no-no when visiting a museum. Turn off the cell phone ringer, and avoid phone calls, please! We know it can be tempting to snap a quick photo or do some light reading, but there are plenty of other places for this sort of activity besides inside a museum (well, maybe not if you’re talking about reading).
3. Don’t Touch the Art
If there’s a rule written in big, bold letters and repeated repeatedly throughout museums, it’s this one: Do Not Touch The Art. It seems like a no-brainer, but we’re always surprised by how many people think it’s okay to reach out and touch or lean on the artwork. Just because you’re not supposed to touch it doesn’t mean you can’t get close enough to enjoy it. Take a step back and enjoy the view from afar.
4. No Food or Drink
This goes hand in hand with not touching the art; food and drink are never allowed inside museum galleries for obvious reasons (greasy fingers = smudged paintings). But even if you promise to keep your food and drinks in a plastic baggie, resist the urge to snack inside. Like with cell phones, there are plenty of other places to eat besides inside a museum.
5. Don’t Sit On The Floor
It is generally unsanitary to sit on the floor of a public place, but in museums, it’s also against museum ettiquette. Most museums don’t want you sitting on the floor because it could damage the artwork or disturb other patrons trying to view something in that area. If you’re tired, there are usually plenty of benches located throughout the galleries for you to take a break.
6. No Backpacks or Big Bags
This one is more for your comfort than anything. Most museums are large enough that a backpack or tote bag could get heavy if you have to lug it around as you explore. If you’re not sure if your bag is allowed, just ask someone on staff, they’ll be happy to help.
7. No Flash Photography
Like backpacks, most museums don’t allow flash photography because it can damage the artwork or disturb other patrons in the galleries. If you want to take selfies and photos of your friends while visiting, make sure it’s done without the flash-on to preserve artworks for future generations to enjoy.
8. Don’t Talk During a Tour or Lecture
If there’s an opportunity for a guided tour (or even a docent-led tour), keep your voice down and listen up. Talking during these tours not only distracts you (because it’s hard to pay attention while you’re chatting with friends) but also disrupts the entire tour itself. Do everyone a favor and keep quiet; you can ask questions at the end if there are any lingering uncertainties.
9. Don’t Take Photos of People Unless They’re Allowed
Again, this rule is in place to protect the artwork and prevent visitors from disrupting other visitors trying to enjoy themselves. If you have your camera out, just remember to ask permission before taking someone’s picture because they may not want their photo taken, especially children under 18 years old.
10. Don’t Touch Displays or Exhibits
Like artwork, displays and exhibits are rarely allowed to be touched. Most museums have an exceptional staff that can assist patrons if they need help but don’t put your hands all over them, it’s impolite.
11. Don’t Visit the Exhibitions Last Minute
If you’re visiting a local museum, it may get busy in the hours leading up to closing time. If you show up at 7 p.m. versus 3 p.m., you won’t be able to see everything because it’ll already be closed off by employees, and other visitors will take longer touring around since there’s less time left before the exhibitions close for the day. Try to visit during regular hours so you can fully explore everything the museum has to offer without feeling rushed.
12. Don’t Rely on Technology
This one may come as a surprise, but museums are meant to be enjoyed without technology. That means no iPods, Kindles, and no phones (except for taking pictures, but even that should be kept to a minimum). If you want to enjoy the exhibitions and learn about the artwork, put away your phone and give yourself some time to disconnect from the digital world.
13. Don’t Block Doorways or Exits
While it’s tempting to gather in front of an exit or doorway to take a group photo, it’s not only disruptive to other visitors but can also be dangerous. If there’s a fire or other emergency people, need to be able to exit the museum quickly and safely, which can only happen if they’re not being blocked.
14. Don’t Wear Headphones While Walking Around
Headphones are disruptive to anyone trying to hear your conversation, even if you’re on your phone or listening to music. Avoid wearing headphones while walking around because it can be distracting for everyone in the area, including employees working at the museum who could get off track by what you’re saying into your earbuds.
15. Don’t Expect to Spend the Entire Day There
Museums are fascinating places, but that doesn’t mean you should plan to spend an entire day there. If you try to see everything in one go, you’ll feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and probably won’t remember much of what you saw. Instead, pick a few exhibitions or areas that interest you most and enjoy those at your own pace. You can always come back another day to explore some more!
Following these simple museum etiquette tips will help ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience while visiting.
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FAQs
1. Can I Take Pictures In During Museum Visit?
Yes, generally, you can take pictures in a museum as long as the museum does not explicitly prohibit it. Some museums do place restrictions on photography, though, so it’s best to check the rules before snapping away.
2. What Should I Wear To A Museum?
What you wear to a museum is largely up to personal preference. However, it’s usually best to avoid wearing clothing or accessories with potentially offensive messages or imagery. Additionally, if you are visiting a religious site such as a mosque or synagogue, be sure to respect any dress codes that may be in place.
3. How Do I Behave In A Museum?
In general, it’s important to stay respectful and quiet while in a museum. This means refraining from talking loudly or using your phone during your visit. It also means being mindful of your surroundings and not touching or leaning on any artwork or displays.
4. Can I Touch The Artwork In A Museum?
Many museums do not allow visitors to touch the artwork, but some do. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask a museum staff member before attempting to touch anything.
5. Can I Bring Food And Drink Into A Museum?
Some museums allow food and drink inside, while others have strict policies against it. It’s best to check the rules before bringing any food or drink into art museums.
6. Can I Use My Phone In A Museum?
Just as with food and drink, it’s important to check the rules before using your phone in a museum. Some museums allow phones to be used for taking pictures, while other museum curators prohibit their use entirely.
Conclusion
So, whether you are a tourist or a traveler, follow the etiquette tips mentioned above when you visit museums so that everyone can have an enjoyable experience. And finally, always remember that it is better to be safe than sorry and ask museum personnel before taking any photos or videos.
Have you ever visited a museum? If so, did you know about these museum manners? Let us know in the comments below!