Are photos allowed ?

OK in the Rijks. No flash.

Unless there had been a recent change, no cameras allowed in St. Bavo Cathedral.

I took lots of photos recently at the Rijks, no flash. The restoration of the building is beautiful with lots of light.

I have lots of photos of the general interior of St Bravo's - in fact I have a photo that shows about 20 other people taking photos :). However, there must have been stricter restrictions around the altarpiece because I wasn't able to get any photos of that. This was in 2014.

I find it more and more difficult to visit churches because of all the other visitors who don't respect it as a place of worship. If there is a sign that says "no photography," that's it. Don't take pictures. Why should you need an enforcer to respect the wishes of the church?

We were in the RS tour in 2016 for holland and Belgium. I have pics and I think most places ok with no flash. Van Gogh.... no cameras at all

Edit: Specially looked today in St. Bavo’s Cathedral and as soon as you enter it signs show: No camera’s (still and video), no dogs, no food and no cell phones, in the mean while smart phones ofcourse :).

I was able to take non-flash photos at St. Bavo's but not of the Ghent Altarpiece: it's a separate fee to see that piece and photos are strictly forbidden. Do be aware that parts of the altarpiece are still undergoing restoration.

I see on Trip Advisor that some recent visitors have taken snaps of other parts of the church, and a mention from another recent visitor that non-flash photos were allowed. Someone mentioned not being able to do that but they may have been there during a service of some sort or meant of the altarpiece. Then again, Wil was just there so I guess I'd just be prepared for either case?

Don't miss the crypt!

http://www.sintbaafskathedraal.be/en/visit.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g188666-d245955-Reviews-St_Bavo_s_Cathedral_Sint_Baafskathedraal-Ghent_East_Flanders_Province.html

Rijksmuseum:
https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/organisation/frequently-asked-questions/visiting

"You are only permitted to take photos without a flash and videos without the use of lights. You are not permitted to take photographs or record video or film that requires the use of lights, flashbulbs and/or tripods (incl. selfie sticks) without prior written permission from the Rijksmuseum Board of Directors."

Despite it is not allowed and the signs clearly visible I saw some visitors taken photos too. There are people from the Cathedral monitoring the visitors, they not always pointing to the signs so maybe are to a certain extend tolerant. But nevertheless I really regret ignoring the signs as at the end the Cathedral remains a place of worship and actually everybody should respect that in the first place, being religious or not.

Wil, I wouldn't have taken pictures if it wasn't allowed. Really. I swear when I was there that the no-photos signs only applied to the altarpiece room, and other than no flash allowed, there were no posted bans on use of lenses. But that may have changed!

Kathy - My remark was more about what I saw during my visit, the signs at the entrance are on a loose meter high stand and can be if needed put aside. So in this case the visitors I saw must have ignored the sign. Can’t speak for your visit, likely the stand with the signs is not always placed there, but if so actually you can’t miss it.