A few days ago I posted an enquiry re the need, if any, and where, for visits later this year to the Rijkmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Hermitage, the Dutch Resistane Museum and the Anne Frank Huis. much rich information has been posted for usbtomorganize and sort through. Naturally, as with most tourists, we'll be carrying using cameras where appropriate (i.e., permitted). We did spend a week in Rome a couple of years ago and we are quite conscious of following the rules and using or not using our cameras.
Apparently okay in St. Peter's but not in the Sistine Chapel, and in Madrid not okay in the Prado but okay in the Reine Sofia. So are there any problems with confiscation of very modest-sized camera bags (that is, not backpacks which are a problem in many museums). Unlike some tourists, we are respectfull of local practices and will not be "sneaking" photos.
Posted by
St Petersburg Florida
951 posts
My trip to A'dam was quite some time ago. The Rijksmuseum was under construction and not all rooms were viewable. But I remember being able to take photos without flash. I believe the Vangogh museum prohibited photos. What I do not recall is what we had to do with our bags. At that time, my husband and I were carrying messenger bags, so maybe we didn't have to do a thing with our bags. From my experience with most museums in Europe, any bag with a shoulder strap is ok. If the bag lives on your back, it goes in a locker. I think also this info might be on the museums website, too.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2001 posts
FYI: no photos allowed in Anne Frank House. They have a good FAQ on their website and it might give you info on your camera bags.
Posted by
Orinda, CA, USA
15 posts
You can take photos at the Van Gogh and Riks museum.
Posted by
Jasper
162 posts
Jim, I am in Amsterdam right now and have been to the Rijks, Van Gogh and Stedelijk this week. There were no prohibitions against taking photos without flash in any and many people including myself were doing so. There are restrictions against photographing SOME, not many, in the Van Gogh. That's because those particular pieces are on loan from elsewhere and came with that restriction. They are marked, so just be on the lookout. I haven't yet been to the others you mentioned, maybe in the next few days.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15781 posts
Even where photography is strictly forbidden, I've never had to check my camera except at one place in Rome. I was at the Dutch Resistance Museum last year. I don't have even one photo from there, so I assume they are not permitted.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Jim, As I recall, photos without flash are allowable at the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, except for specific pieces of art. NO PHOTOS are allowed at Anne Frank House and in my experience that was strictly enforced. In one sense that's a good thing as many of the rooms are very small and get very crowded. Having people jockeying for position to take photos would likely slow down the passage of visitors through the Museum. I can't recall if bags had to be checked at the Anne Frank house? Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Seattle
149 posts
Thanks to all who have posted here. I think my conerns were about photo equipment confiscation or mandatory storage of our camera bags. I have no problem whatever in carrying my camera and not using it. Philosophically, I view the Anne Frank Huis very differently from the museums although the former is pungently reflective of its time. I have no desire to photograph this physical rembrance of a brave and tragic young woman. In its way, it seems as if it might even be kind of a holy place. As to the great museums, I can enjoy this privileged opportunity whether or not I am able to take some photographs; in any event, I'd never use flash in a museum interior (or in a church), in a museum because I know that flash can have an incrementally damaging effect on paintings, and is seems a bit crass in a place of worship and certainly if worship is going on during my tour. In fact, I've long been an available-light photographer and last took a flash photograph on holiday in Scotland in 2004, and that of a charmingly funky Glasgow hotel room.