Visitor code of conduct

The Museum of Modern Art connects people from around the world to the art of our time. We aspire to be a catalyst for experimentation, learning, and creativity, a gathering place for all, and a home for artists and their ideas.

We are committed to working together to create a safe experience for our team and visitors, and our professionally trained staff are here to help you. Visitors may not endanger staff, visitors, artwork or any other Museum property, and may not engage in verbal or physical harassment, discriminatory or threatening behavior, or otherwise interfere with the experience of others in the Museum.

The Museum will refuse or revoke admission to individuals who violate its policies. For everyone’s safety, please follow the instructions of our staff during your visit.

The Museum prohibits the following:

  • Leafleting, signature gathering, picketing, charitable solicitations, and press conferences by visitors
  • The unauthorized playing of music and video, unauthorized projection of images, unauthorized theater performances, and sound amplification and noisemakers (except for assistive-listening devices)
  • Solicitation of business and unauthorized for-profit activity
  • Resale, exchange, or transfer of Museum tickets or membership benefits
  • Running, rough play, and disruptive behavior
  • Conduct that poses any risk to other visitors or to the Museum’s staff or collections
  • Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited anywhere on Museum property, including the outdoor Sculpture Garden.

Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Please do not touch the artwork, frames, platforms, labels, display cases, or anything that is used to project the art. If a work is intended to be interactive, this will be indicated by signage.

Be respectful and mindful of those around you. Keep voices at a courteous volume and set cellphones to vibrate or silent.

The Museum uses video monitoring for the safety of the art and the public. Please note that visitors may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded. By visiting, visitors grant the Museum permission to use the photographs and/or audiovisual recordings in which visitors appear for any Museum purposes.

Bags and security

All bags will be inspected upon arrival.

The Museum reserves the right to prohibit any items and to require visitors to check any bags or items.

See a full list of prohibited items

Large umbrellas may not be brought into the Museum but may be left in our umbrella rack. The Museum is not responsible for umbrellas left in the rack.

Pets are not permitted. Service animals are welcome, but must be leashed and attended at all times.

Coat checkroom

All checked articles must be claimed before the Museum closes. The Museum is not responsible for any items left overnight. The Museum’s total liability for items left in the coat checkroom is half of the purchase price of the item up to a maximum of $150.

Prohibited items

The Museum reserves the right to refuse entry to any visitor with any of the following prohibited items:

  • Illegal items or substances
  • Outside food or drinks, including alcoholic beverages (unless sealed or for family or medical purposes)
  • Selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, and any professional video equipment
  • Any object larger than 11" × 17" × 5"; luggage of any size or type; large umbrellas; sporting goods; recreational equipment such as e-scooters, recreational scooters, skateboards, wagons, or hoverboards; shoes with wheels, roller skates, roller blades or any other wheeled items
  • Marking materials such as paint, adhesives, epoxies, or glues
  • Banners and signs, confetti, balloons, plants, and flower arrangements
  • Costumes, including masks that cover the full face
  • Pets (with the exception of service animals, which must be leashed and attended at all times)
  • Weapons of any kind; firearms of any type and/or ammunition; cutting tools, including knives, scissors, and blades; tools and tool parts; any “dual-use” items that could be considered dangerous to people or art, including hammers, saws, sharp objects, poles, and sticks
  • Hazardous materials, including pepper spray, mace, and other chemical compounds or biological agents that could be considered toxic, including flammable liquids, aerosols, fuels, fireworks, toxic chemicals, and explosives
  • Drones, unmanned aerial devices, survey balloons, photography mini-copters, and any flying device
  • Portable speakers or other devices that may be used to amplify sound; airhorns; musical instruments
  • Any other items that could put the art or visitors at risk, to be determined at the sole discretion of The Museum of Modern Art