Visitor Tips & Policies

A Welcoming Place for All

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we strive to be a welcoming place for all. Our expert and dedicated staff is here to provide you with an enjoyable visit and ensure an environment of respect for our community, one another, and the art. To help us accomplish this, we ask you to be respectful to our staff and fellow visitors and follow our visiting guidelines, including health and safety protocols. If you choose not to, we reserve the right to ask you to leave or revoke your membership or admission.

Prohibited Items

We have protection measures in place to ensure your safety and the preservation of the objects in our collection. Click here to view more about items and actions prohibited while visiting our museum buildings, additional protections may be added onsite and are reviewed on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Protocols

Following City of Philadelphia's guidance, we do not require proof of vaccination in our buildings, and mask wearing is optional. We will continue to be guided by public health experts and will modify our policies if necessary. Please note that it is impossible for the museum to completely eliminate the risk of COVID-19, and the museum cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to COVID-19 virus during your visit. You agree that, by visiting the museum, you assume the risk of exposure and that neither the museum nor any of its Trustees, Officers, or Employees will have any liability in the event you contract COVID-19 during your visit.

Gallery Maintenance

Due to an ongoing largescale maintenance project, certain galleries and individual artworks may be off view during your visit.
Learn more

Coat Check

Travel light and store larger items at our coat check. Backpacks, bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches, large umbrellas, and selfie sticks are not permitted in the galleries. Smaller bags must be carried on one shoulder or handheld.

Bag Inspection

Bags are subject to inspection as you enter and leave the building.

Art on View

We have 200 galleries of art from around the world. Sometimes art from our collection is taken off view for conservation or lent to other museums.

The museum is undergoing a largescale maintenance project to ensure the preservation of the collection for future visitors We are working hard to keep our online collection database accurate; however, if the success of your visit relies on a specific artwork being on view - please contact VisitorServices@philamuseum.org to inquire about its status. We aim to respond to inquiries within 72 hours, depending on the item in question.

View current exhibitions

Parking

Our parking garage is near the main building. Access it via Kelly Drive or Spring Garden Street.
View parking info

Accessibility

Designated accessible parking, a barrier-free entrance, accessible restrooms, wheelchairs, and more are available. If you have any questions, email AccessProg@philamuseum.org.
View accessibility services

Daily Tours

Go on a tour of the collection with folks in the know. Tours are offered daily and are free with admission.
View tours

Eat & Drink

View current dining options

Shop

Shop at any of our three stores in the main building or online.

Families with Young Children

• Little ones are welcome—kids are always free. View family programs
• Stay together. The best way to look at art is as a family so stay with your children throughout your visit. Hold very young children by the hand.
• Strollers are permitted in most areas. For safety reasons, strollers are not allowed in certain galleries. Please wear baby carriers on the front of your body to help keep everyone safe.
• Kid's wagons that are pulled behind the visitor are not permitted in the galleries.
• You’re welcome to nurse your baby anywhere in the museum. If you would like a nursing room, ask at any Visitor Services Desk.
• Find baby-changing stations in all restrooms.

Audio Tour

Don’t miss our audio guide, which offers a deeper look at some of the museum’s greatest hits and beyond. We’ve teamed up with Smartify to offer a dynamic new experience right on your own mobile device. Pre-purchase the Museum Highlights audio guide online at ticket checkout or at any of our admissions desks, $5 each ($4 for members; free for visitors who are blind or partially sighted). Currently offered in English, Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Korean.

For the best experience, download the free Smartify app on your iOS or Android mobile device.

Headphones are not provided, or required, but should be used for an optimal experience.

Free Wi-Fi

Enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the main building, the Perelman Building, and the Rodin Museum. Be mindful of visitors, artwork, and your surroundings when using your device.

Protect the Art

• No food or beverage allowed in galleries. Reusable water bottles must be closed and concealed if carried with you.
• Dirt and oils on our skin can damage artwork so please do not touch.
• Keep a safe distance from artwork, about 18 inches or an arm’s length.
• Seating is available throughout the building. Do not sit or step on platforms or ledges.
• Take your time: walk, don’t run in the galleries.

Photography & Filming

• You may take personal candid-style photos in the permanent collection galleries but no flash, lighting setups, tripods, or selfie sticks.
• Out of respect for our staff, we kindly request that you refrain from photographing or recording without their consent.
• Requests for formal photography sessions – including engagement, wedding, prom, or family portraits – must be scheduled through our Events and Dining Department during non-public hours. Please contact specialevents@philamuseum.org for more information.
• Photography is sometimes restricted in special exhibitions so look for signage in the galleries for guidance.
• Your photographs may not be commercially published, sold, reproduced, transferred, or distributed.
• Be cautious around artwork and other visitors, and stay aware of your surroundings when taking photos.
• Group photography is prohibited.
• During your visit, you may be photographed or filmed by museum staff. We may use these images in signage, printed materials, and online for any purpose, commercial or otherwise.
• Media and press inquiries, please email pressroom@philamuseum.org.

Sketching in the Galleries

• Use graphite pencils only when sketching or taking notes in the galleries. Pens and colored pencils are prohibited in all galleries.
• Please make sure your sketchbooks are 18 x 24 inches or smaller.
• Look with your eyes—do not point at works of art with your hands or a pencil.

Give Us Your Best Shot

We love your selfies but please keep your selfie sticks at home as they are not permitted in our galleries. Share your visit on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok or Instagram and tag us @philamuseum.