Photography in Museums

I have been to all of these museums, and I think they all allow non-flash photos in most cases. Sometimes, a museum will prohibit photos of certain artworks or expositions, but not all.

I don't think any of these museums charge for a photo permit either. You might be able to confirm this for sure on their websites?

David,

I always travel with a dSLR and didn't have any problems taking photos in either the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay or the Rodin Museum when I was visited Paris last year.

Of course as the others have noted, Flash and Tripod are usually prohibited. Unforutunately, some of the P&S Camera users haven't bothered to RTFM, so they don't know how to disable the flash on their Cameras (or perhaps they don't care?).

One difference I've noted over the years, is that on a previous trip in 2006 NO photos were allowed of the Mona Lisa. When I was there last year, there were no restrictions and many people were snapping photos.

Cheers!

When I was in Paris in 2006, photos of the Mona Lisa were prohibited.

Thanks to all for the response. I'll assume I can take non-flash photos. I'll even make sure to turn off the red-eye reduction when photographing the Mona Lisa.

At the risk of being irreverent, I thought that a photo of about 50 tourists all taking a snapshot of the Mona Lisa at the same time made for a much better photo than one of the Mona Lisa itself. Also, the Mona Lisa is behind heavily tinted glass, so I doubt that a photo of it would turn out well. Not to mention the bounce-back from everybody else's flashes. Just
buy a postcard at the gift shop instead

Regardless of whether it’s an issue about contributing to a painting’s deterioration (I think the science is somewhat mixed) or an issue around selling more postcards, prints, etc. from the gift shop, the rules against using a flash should be respected. I’m not sure if it’s because people haven’t RTFM (great acronym, Ken) for their cameras…that’s probably true for some. It seems more like many tourists simply don’t care about prohibitions regarding flash photography and just do whatever they wish. I mean, you see this everywhere. Even with cheaper point and shoot digitals, one can take excellent photos without the flash.

Actually, my original question was related to photographing the people in the museum. I can get quality slides and stills of the paintings and statues at any museum shop or off the web. My favorite shots from earlier visits were of the artists and their easels, making copies of the masterpieces.

That would make for some interesting photos…there were several artists painting copies like this when we were visiting the Prado last fall. Another great shot would have been of the dozens of young art students simultaneously sketching Picasso’s Guernica at the Reina Sofia. They were all against the opposite wall, but it would have been cool to somehow get both the students and the piece in the same shot.

Edit after reading Linda’s note: That’s right about the rules at the Prado…no photography. The Reina Sofia allows photography sans flash.

I have never had a problem taking photos in the Louvre, the Orsay or the Rodin, as long as a flash wasn't used.

The only museum I have encontered that would not allow photos at all was the Prado. When I entered the Prado with a camera, they took my camera, put it in a plastic bag, sealed it, and handed it back to me.

Photography was not allowed in the Van Gogh in December.

After years and years of trying to take meticulous photos of artwork I've given up and I just buy the $#$#%^ postcards now. It's just easier and usually better than the shot you will take.

When I took a picture of the Mona Lisa in 2007, it wasn't prohibited.

I think the advent of digital cameras and their ability to take with no flash has eased rules in most museums. The only place I can recall being prohibited was in the Tower of London, but I think that's because of Crown Jewel security.

My photo of the Mona Lisa turned out quite good. However, I have to agree with Rick from Chicago -- my picture of all the people taking pictures of the Mona Lisa is the better photo. It makes me laugh every time I look at it.

We were some for the first in the Louvre and made our way to the Mona Lisa before tons of people had arrived and there was my seven year old with a digital camera right in the thick of everything and probably in everyone’s photos. That was something I could not change and I bet all those people did not expect to race to the Mona Lisa with a seven year old who made getting there first his goal. And he respected the "NO FLASH" rule very well.

Just got back from visiting museums un the Netherlands. Be aware that they allow NO Photography in the Rijksmusem and Van Gogn Museum. They have many guards rotating through the rooms and are reminding all with cameras that photos are not allowed, With or without flash makes no difference.