MUSEUM MANNERS

Visiting the museum should be a fun, enjoyable experience for everyone.  One of the ways to ensure a positive adventure is to exercise appropriate museum etiquette.  The following practical advice is good for both the novice and the experienced museum visitor.

Remind your students to observe Museum Manners...

• In the Children's Museum, please ask children to put toys and games away, not to run and to never throw anything. Teachers and/or adult supervisors need to monitor the behavior of students so that they take turns and do not become too rowdy.

   

• Walk through the galleries and use their inside voices. Unruly guests will be asked to leave.

   

• Food, drinks, candy and gum are not permitted in the galleries.

   

• Large bags and backpacks must be left at the visitor services desk in the historic lobby where they will be secure. These items are not allowed in any of the galleries during the exhibition.

• As a general rule, it is okay to “touch” with your eyes but not with your hands (this includes walls, labels, display cases and pedestals) except in the Children's Museum where most displays are hands-on and okay to touch.

• Oils on one's hands can harm artworks and create more work for museum staff. A recommended distance of 3 feet should be maintained between the individual and the artwork or display case.

• Photography and video taping are not allowed in any galleries during the exhibition. (Only photography and taping for children's parties in the Diner is permitted.)

• Only pencils are to be used in the galleries for written assignments.

• Please instruct the children to go up and down the stairs quietly in a single file line on one side so that other museum guests may travel safely in the opposite direction.

Teachers, have a signal to obtain immediate control of your group. Instruct your students to freeze at the given signal.  This command may prevent problems or accidents from occurring in the museum.

But most of all, encourage all of your students to have fun!