Museum Etiquette 101

The art of a little courtesy.

Long marble corridors, striking canvases, iconic exhibits- there is plenty to observe if you take time to explore what your local museum features in their sublime halls. It’s easy to see how visitors may get swept up in the allure of the moment, but proper museum etiquette ensures that all guests have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable experience. 

Is “Museum Etiquette” real?

Yes and no. While there is technically no official rule-book on how to act accordingly during your visit, other museum-goers maintain the silent expectation that you won’t be gabbing away on the phone, chomping down a bag of potato chips, or nudging them out of the way to obtain a closer view. There are multiple signs posted around museums as gentle reminders to guests to respect their fellow attendees, as well as the artistic displays themselves. 

I’ve never been to a museum before. How am I meant to act in this environment?

Be quiet. Most museums are full of free-thinking individuals seeking to connect with, study, and interpret works of art; the disruptions of cell phone noise and loud voices are considered to be in especially poor taste, as these are variables within your control. If you are unable to silence your cell phone or keep your voice down to respect others, you may be asked to leave or to use an outdoor area by a museum employee.

Don’t run or crowd the artwork/exhibit rooms. Not only does the formation of a crowd leave no capacity to enjoy said artwork, this sort of craze puts the beloved paintings at risk of being damaged. Horseplay ultimately leads to expensive wreckage, so demonstrate adequate behavior during your visit to the museum. Be sure not to block the piece(s) you stop to admire; I recommend standing a few feet back to ensure that other guests have fair viewing opportunities as well. Grant those around you the same personal space that you’d expect to be able to thoroughly savor the art.

Don’t use flash photography or take photos of everything. Frankly, these two tips speak for themselves. Flash photography can cause destruction to the artwork’s material makeup, leading to over-exposure and ruined masterpieces. Stopping every 4 feet to snap a picture is laborious, rude, and will surely erase the immersive experience that museums wish for visitors. Put your phone away and simply enjoy!

Check your belongings before entering the museum. With an abundance of priceless possessions to protect, many museum security teams check coats and bags upon guest entry. Throw out any food and beverages before arriving and leave large bags, umbrellas, sharp objects, lighters, tobacco products, selfie sticks, and firearms at home or in the car. Pets are strictly prohibited but service animals are welcome to accompany their handler(s).

Unless you are in a (clearly marked) interactive exhibit, don’t touch anything. Like that old saying from Kindergarten, “Seeing is with the eyes, not with the hands.” The biggest no-no in museum etiquette is putting your hands on the art. Prized art and artifacts were entrusted to these museums under the solemn promise to keep them safe, which is why museum curators, educators, and security guards canvass all rooms, hallways, and entryways. As the signs could not possibly be any clearer, don’t be surprised if you are hastily removed following this incident. 

Is there a dress code?

The vast majority of museums do not enforce a dress code, but that does not mean there isn’t an unspoken expectation to be appropriately clothed. Religious artwork is a popular feature amongst these institutions, so wearing a football jersey or cropped-top might not be the most appropriate attire. For men, I recommend stylish but comfortable shoes, slacks, khakis, or chino pants, and an oxford (button-up), polo, or sweater to complete the look. For the ladies, I recommend a colorful maxi dress with neutral-colored “booties” shoes, a short skirt/oversized sweater/platform shoe combo, or some trendy Mom Jeans, a patterned bodysuit, blazer, and a pair of platform boots. Don’t fret if you don’t see any of the above in your closet- just dress intelligently!

I want to bring my kids to the museum but don’t want to cause any disruption. How do I go about this?

Tons of museums offer free admission days that cater to families who feel unable to attend during normal operating hours. This is when I’ve noticed most families bringing their children, as museum members typically stay home to avoid the younger, family-oriented crowds. Another considerable option is to purchase tickets for a kid-friendly museum such as Philadelphia’s “Please-Touch Museum” or Cherry Hill’s “Garden State Discovery Museum.” Starting in October, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is hosting “5 Cent Days” on the first Sunday of the month and every Friday night from 5:00-8:45 pm. 

Is there anything else I should know?

Museums serve a purpose in our society: to educate, enthrall, and entertain the minds of their guests. These buildings preserve entire centuries of knowledge, creativity, and the past as it was. Instead of keeping the works under lock-and-key or auctioning them off to elitist billionaires, museums choose to adopt a special role in keeping history alive. We should feel fortunate to take part in what they offer to the public; these well-established institutions demand our attention and highest respects. Mind your manners!