PHOTOGRAPHY Policies and Information

We encourage personal photography in most exhibitions and in our permanent collection. Feel free to take a quick selfie or snapshot, but please remember that others are experiencing the museum as well. Disruptive or intrusive photography is not allowed. We also do not allow tripods, camera extension devices, special equipment, and/or flash photography. A symbol on the object label or at the entrance to the exhibition will be visible if photography of the artwork is not allowed. If you have a question about photography, please feel free to ask museum staff.

We do not allow posed portrait photography, personal or professional, in the galleries or inside the museum, including, but not limited to, graduations, proms, engagement/bridal portraits, proposals, or weddings.

Portrait/Professional Photography

We do allow personal-use portrait photography on the grounds after museum hours, but we require approval in advance to ensure appropriate use and to avoid scheduling conflicts. For approval, please email our information/public relations department, subject line: Photography Request.

We allow pre-approved non-commercial professional portrait/bridal photography outside on the museum grounds during non-operating hours, usually on Mondays and other days before 10 am or after 5 pm (Tue 6 pm, Fri 8 pm). Specific days and times may be unavailable due to special events. We do not charge a fee.
Facilities inside the museum will not be open. Restrooms are not available for wardrobe changes. The pond/lawn area behind the museum is accessible from the sidewalk on University Dr. Please do not enter the pond. Please do not sit, stand on, or fasten anything to outdoor sculptures or the building.

We do not allow portrait photography inside the museum unless the facility has been rented or you are a member of the Supporting Circles.

Commercial-Use Photography

Commercial-use photography of any kind requires special approval, including (but not limited to) headshots, advertising portraits, staff group portraits, and product/merchandise photography or video. 
Photography and/or filming must take place on a Monday when the museum is closed to the public.
A certificate of insurance meeting the minimum limits of liability is required in advance of the shoot.
A location fee will be assessed based on total time needed for the shoot (including set-up and tear-down), staffing, and security requirements.
Photography and/or filming must be requested at least 21 days in advance of the shoot day.
For questions or to submit your request, please email our information/public relations department, subject line: Location Request. 

In your email, please include:
Date of shoot
Length of time requested
Number of crew/personnel
List of equipment
Desired shoot location(s)
End use for final product(s)

Editorial and Press Photography and Filming

Members of the media wishing to capture photos or video at Modern for editorial purposes can contact our information/public relations department, subject line: Media Request.

Student Photography

We will consider all student photography and filming projects. 
A written proposal should be submitted at least 10 days prior to the photography or filming date. Proposals may be sent to our information/public relations department, subject line: Student Project. 

Proposals should include at least the following details:
School name
How many students will be participating
All equipment
Anticipated amount of time needed
Project description

PROPOSALS at the Modern

We are happy for you to propose at the Modern and are excited to be part of your special day.
Please refer to our PHOTOGRAPHY guidelines if you are planning on having professional photography. We request that props are not brought into the museum including flowers, decorations, balloons, artwork, music/instruments, furniture or signage.
Please consider making a reservation at Café Modern for a celebration! Contact Café Modern at 817.840.2186.