Pictures of David and the Sistine Chapel

Sistine chapel is not allowed, there are signs. when we went I saw ample signage NO question remained. Is it so crowded that people might anyway? Sure.

The last time we were at the Sistine Chapel, we saw guards taking people’s devices and deleting the photos.

It’s been a while but you could not take pictures of David in 2012. However when I went back in 2015, it was fine - everyone did. I can’t imagine it has changed back to no pictures..

In November 2021, no photos were allowed at the Sistine Chapel, but there was nothing saying not to take photos of David or anywhere in the Accademia Gallery. We openly took many photos there and saw others doing so.

September 2022- Photographs are NOT allowed in the Sistine Chapel. The question about whether people get escorted out or not is beside the point. The facility states no photographs. A good guest honors the rules.

David, no issues at all on taking pictures other than trying to find an angle that won't include about 30 tourists. :)

We were in Florence in Oct 2022. Pictures were allowed everywhere but as usual no flash. I took 20 pix of David.

I visited the Sistine Chapel a few weeks ago. No photos allowed. It also says no talking, but everyone ignored that part.

Hello Dylan,

I was just at the Academia September of 2022 and there were no restrictions on photographing David. Everyone - my wife and myself included - were circling the statue taking photos.

I took a bunch of shots since last time I was there I was shooting on actual film and only took a couple.

Whether you try and sneak a photo in the Sistine Chapel is up to you. I mostly remember multiple guards shushing everyone because it considered a working chapel and the sounds really echo as the crowds get louder.

Have a great trip,
=Tod

However when I went back in 2015, it was fine - everyone did.

It makes sense, Schmidt has been appointed Curator of the Uffizi in 2015 and he immediately - and quite loudly - stated that standing up against the "selfies tide" was pointless.

His fellow countrywoman at the Accademia took the same decision a few weeks later. In short, you can take pics in Florence thanks to the notorious German Connection.

I just got back from Italy last night. You can take pictures of David, just no flash. Since he bathed in natural light, this is no problem. No photos, videos, or talking in the Sistine Chapel.

Hmmm, as I recall it, the lifting of the photography ban came from the Ministry of Culture, July 1, 2014, and applied to ALL Italian State Museums, not just the Uffizi. The Accademia is one of the State Museums. The decree does not apply to private or civic museums, like the Vatican Museums, which can have their own rules. A State museum may also ban photography for special exhibitions where, for instance, the works may be on loan.

https://www.arttrav.com/florence/uffizi-photos/

The Uffizi website mentions the specific decree: https://www.uffizi.it/en/notices/rules

"As to photographs, according to the Legislative Decree 83/2014 (article 12 subparagraph 3), it is possible to take photographs (except for works on loan for temporary exhibitions) for personal aims or study purposes, provided that there is no use of flash, stands or tripods."

No, photography is not allowed in the Sistine. That is specifically mentioned under "Photography at the Vatican Museums". Doesn't mean that some people don't flout that rule, as they do the request not to speak in the chapel. If they see you take a shot, the guards can and will request that you cancel the shot, and do it in their presence. Personally, I would abide by the rule.

https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en/organizza-visita/consigli-utili.html

It's not fine, and just because people get away with it, does not mean nobody cares. I dont like having flashes go off (too lazy to even turn the flash off?) right in my face while I'm trying to look at history. Just because the church doesnt want to have 50 armed guards beating people with sticks, doesnt mean it's OK. Get a postcard - it'll be a much better photo anyway.

Kathy, probably in my memories I misunderstood Schmidt's vocal support to the decision for the decision.

Ps The Vatican Museums are neither private nor civic, they are a foreign state museum. Like the Louvre.

The Vatican Museums are neither private nor civic, they are a foreign
state museum.

I just meant that it wasn't an Italian State museum but you are right, Dario, the Vatican is its own entity so cheerfully standing corrected! :O)

A good guest honors the rules.

Exactly. Thanks, Carol now retired.

Why do you need pictures of the Sistine Chapel or David? People already know what these things look like. They can picture them in their minds eye. You can go on google and get photos of them that are way better than yours