15 Common Museum Etiquette Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Keep it down

Honestly, it detracts from the experience for everyone nearby. There’s nothing more frustrating than finding a quiet moment in a museum gallery only to be disrupted by loud children or someone loudly chatting with friends about topics that simply don’t belong in a museum. The galleries and rooms are not the right setting for loud conversations, so keep it down or move your discussions to the café in the lobby.

Ensure Your Bags are Checked

Most museums feature a coat and bag check area at the entrance, so be sure to use it. Carrying a heavy load can hinder your ability to fully enjoy the incredible experiences awaiting you. Checking in backpacks and overflowing bags also helps prevent mishaps—you wouldn’t want to accidentally topple a priceless artifact or sculpture.

Avoid Clustering Around the Artwork

Even if you’re new to art history, you’ve likely heard of the legendary masters and their masterpieces—such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night or Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. After years of viewing reproductions, standing in the same room as the originals might spark excitement. However, it’s important to remember that these masterpieces have boundaries, and gathering too close can jeopardize the artworks. While they often have heightened security, it’s still best to avoid pushing others aside to get closer.

Avoid Obstructing the Art

While it's fine to step in front of an artwork to admire it, make sure to keep a few paces back so those behind you can also appreciate it without just seeing your head. Additionally, it's essential not to walk in front of someone else just to get a better view for yourself—disrupting someone’s focus is never acceptable.

Refrain from Taking Phone Calls

Making phone calls not only interrupts those around you but also detracts from your own experience. If you need to communicate with someone or find a friend, texting is a more considerate option. The Metropolitan Museum in New York City prohibits phone calls in the hallways or main corridors—you must go to the lobby if you want to chat.

Your Instagram Doesn’t Have to Be Instant

Hold off on Instagramming the exhibit until you’re in a phone-friendly area, such as a couch in the lobby. It’s nearly impossible to fully appreciate an exhibit while you’re distracted by choosing a filter and crafting a caption. Waiting to share your post will also allow you to be more discerning about what you show, which your followers will definitely value.

Avoid Using Flash

If you're snapping a photo in a museum that permits photography, ensure your flash is disabled. Consider flash like a strike of lightning that can damage the materials of the artwork or artifact. Museums take extensive measures to ensure this rule is well-known. I once visited an exhibition at the Met where a curtain covered the artwork that had to be carefully lifted for viewing, as even the faintest gallery light posed too much risk for the delicate piece.

No Selfie Sticks Allowed

January features a day set aside for the museum selfie, encouraging people to explore museums. While art selfies can showcase your creativity, it's essential to stay mindful of your surroundings. If you feel compelled to take one, skip the selfie stick; it's an unnecessary distraction that can pose risks to both the artwork and those nearby—using your arms for a shot is always a safer choice.

Don’t photograph everything

You don’t need to photograph every single piece in an exhibit. Focus on capturing only your top favorites. Worrying about taking pictures constantly can prevent you from truly experiencing the exhibition. While it’s fine to take a quick snap of the description or artist information for later reference, most of this info is available on the museum’s website or in an online catalog.

Mind Your Step

Museums feature various discreetly marked lines and barriers that require your attention. This can be especially challenging if the art is placed on the ground or if there are unusual materials like sand present. To be safe, maintain a distance of at least two feet from any object or person. Staying aware of your surroundings is crucial; the last thing you want is to set off a chain reaction that ends with a shattered vase.

Keep up with the flow

While exploring a museum typically allows for a leisurely pace, smaller venues that attract large crowds can be challenging and intimidating. In busy exhibitions, you may struggle to absorb every descriptive label and wall text. Consider opting for an audio tour to keep the flow moving without causing delays. Many museums also offer apps for personal devices, eliminating the need to purchase a guide.

Not every artwork needs to evoke strong emotions

A common misconception about museums is that every artwork will stir your emotions and capture your imagination. You won't connect with every brush stroke as some might suggest. While certain exhibitions can be deeply moving, don't feel obligated to have a profound reaction. This mindset allows you to continue exploring until that astonishing, transformative experience unexpectedly occurs.

Keep your hands to yourself

It's a basic truth that shouldn’t have to be stated, yet I often witness people touching significant and valuable items in museums. Regardless of whether artifacts are displayed in cases or out in the open, they remain integral parts of the exhibition and should not be handled. There are many museums designed for interactive, hands-on experiences, and these are always clearly identified.

Avoid leaning against the walls

While walls are plentiful in museums, they are not meant for leaning. Museums can be overwhelming and exhausting, but it's best to refrain from leaning on walls, with or without art. If you find yourself needing a break, seek out a bench to sit on instead.

No eating, drinking, or vaping allowed

Mishaps can occur, no matter how cautious you are. While eating and drinking have long been prohibited, the fumes from an e-cigarette can seriously damage the paints, materials, and artifacts on display. Fortunately, most museums feature delightful cafes and restaurants, along with outdoor spaces that are much more appropriate for such activities.