Museum 101: Etiquettes to remember when visiting museums
Following the incident in which a museum visitor was criticized on social media for using a sculpture as a phone stand to record a TikTok. Which serves as a reminder that some people are truly willing to do anything for content. Here is a quick lesson on proper etiquette for your next visit because it appears that everyone needs a refresher on proper museum behavior.
Etiquettes to remember when visiting museums
Be quiet
Nothing is worse than trying to enjoy some peace and quiet at a gallery or exhibit only to have it broken by intrusive noises like children screaming or a person talking loudly to their friends about things that, to put it simply, have no business being discussed there. Never use an outside voice in galleries or chambers; keep quiet or move the conversation or storytelling to the café in the lobby.
Avoid running, pushing, and roughhousing
To prevent accidentally running into and harming works of art, proper museum behavior is required.
Do not eat, drink, or vape
It is not permitted to eat or drink inside the exhibits, therefore avoid bringing food or beverages inside. No matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen. E-cigarettes are also prohibited because vapors might seriously damage the colors, materials, and artifacts lining the walls. Plan your visit to the museum after a meal or see if there is a café or picnic area available.
Gum and candy are also often not permitted in museum galleries. If unsure, seek permission beforehand.
Do not touch everything
This rudimentary statement should go unsaid, but to my horror, I constantly witness people touching important objects in museums. Even if an artwork is displayed in the open or without a case, it is still a part of the exhibit and should not be tampered with. There are interactive art exhibits or museums like Art In Island, The Mind Museum, and QCX: Quezon City Experience that you can visit instead.
Do not lean on the walls
Of course, there are many walls in museums, but they are not intended for you to lean on. Avoid leaning on walls in museums, whether or not there is art on them. Museum visits may be weary and exhausting, sit down on a bench if you lack the stamina to stand.
Avoid flash photography and video
If the museum permits taking pictures or videos, make sure your flash is turned off. Consider flash as a lightning strike that has the potential to destroy the material an object is made of. There are artworks that are very sensitive even the dim gallery light was too much exposure for the precious piece.
Follow health and safety protocols
Before visiting museums, check their website to see whether they have any standard operating procedures in place that are regularly updated based on the most recent health and safety regulations. Some may set a limit on the number of visitors that can enter at once or the number of tickets that can be sold.
In addition to these basic guidelines, each museum has its own set of rules. To ensure that visitors will have a worthwhile experience, we should abide by these rules and maintain proper museum etiquette.
