With so many different rules and regulations regarding the use of photography in museums, figuring out when to bring the camera and when to leave it at home can be confusing. Fortunately for art lovers who want to bring home reminders of their visit, the Chicago Art Institute allows personal photography, though only under certain circumstances. The following are the rules for when you are and are not allowed to take pictures at this well-known Chicago attraction.
Photography is not permitted if the artwork comes from another gallery or museum. This is sometimes difficult to tell and you may accidentally take a picture without realizing the artwork you are capturing on film (or memory stick) does not belong to the museum. If this problem arises, don't worry. The worst that will happen is that the security guards will let you know that you cannot take pictures of that particular work.
Photography is also not permitted in the temporary exhibitions, which are usually housed in a separate part of the museum. Because of this, mistaken pictures are not given as much leniency as photos of artwork on loan. If you enter a temporary exhibition with your camera off and lens cap on you will have no problem viewing the works, just don't start taking pictures or you may be asked to leave.
Photography is permitted in the Art Institute's permanent collection as long as there is no flash or tripod and it is for personal use only (i.e. noncommercial and nondistributional). That means even cameras with detachable lenses are allowed, as long as the pictures are not sold or published anywhere.
If you are looking to take some pictures for a publication or other commercial use, you can contact the Marketing and Public Affairs Department via phone at 312-443-3626 or via email at [email protected].
