Museum Policies

When visiting the Museum, please respect a few simple rules:

• Please keep an arm’s length away from the artwork and refrain from touching: The oil from your hands is damaging.
• No food, beverages, or gum are permitted in the galleries. Water bottles must be stored in lockers in the East End or on the Café Level.
• No backpacks, large bags, or umbrellas are permitted in galleries. Please store them in in lockers in the East End or on the Café Level.
• Wagons must be stored in the coatroom on the Café Level. Strollers are welcome in the galleries.
• No pens or markers: Sketching in the galleries is welcome, but with pencil only.
• Please silence your cell phones.
• Please be watchful of small children. If visiting with a child, read some of our family-friendly tips on preparing for a trip to the Museum.
• Please be kind to Museum staff and each other. Respect the directions of the staff, as well as any gallery closures.
• If, after making your reservation and prior to your Museum visit, you become ill or learn that you have been exposed, please contact us at 414-224-3200 or mam@mam.org to reschedule your visit or arrange a refund.

Individuals interested in licensing images of the Museum for commercial use are encouraged to read the Museum’s licensing policy. Permission must be granted to use images of the Museum in a non-Museum context. For more information, contact communications@mam.org. For information on “licensing images of the collection” please refer to the Museum’s rights and reproduction policy.

Photography in Windhover Hall and the galleries is allowed with the following conditions:

• No flash, monopods, tripods, or large camera bags
• Photography of the Milwaukee Art Museum Collection is permitted for private, non-commercial use. Photographs may not be reproduced, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner whatsoever.
• Only works owned by the Museum in its Collection galleries may be photographed. Refer to the text labels located near each artwork: Museum-owned works will have an accession number (e.g., M1973.01) listed on its label. Please consult a Museum Representative if you are not sure.
• All commercial, wedding, and portrait photography must be approved by the Film and Photo Coordinator. For information please contact 414-224-3287 or rentals@mam.org.

The Milwaukee Art Museum occasionally photographs or films in the galleries and other public spaces for use in Museum publications, marketing materials, social media, and other communications. By entering the Museum, visitors may appear in these images or recordings. These photographs and videos help us share the Museum experience with our community and audiences beyond Milwaukee. If you would prefer not to appear in photographs or video, please let the photographer know or speak with a Visitor Services team member during your visit. We will respect your request.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators must comply with the regulations issued by the FAA, and these rules:

• Drones may not be flown within 100 feet of Milwaukee Art Museum buildings, including the Santiago Calatrava–designed Quadracci Pavilion.
• Drones may not be flown within 25 feet of people.
• Drones must be flown in a safe manner.
• Drone flights are not permitted inside any Museum buildings or parking garages.
• Drone flights in the park at Museum Center Park are restricted to park hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Drone flights that hover directly over an outdoor ceremony or group of people, without their consent, are not permitted anywhere on Museum property.
• Commercial use of drones on Museum property, without Museum consent, is prohibited.

The lighting of the Museum, on occasion, will feature a color to promote the visibility of an issue, organization, or event.

The Museum considers changing the lighting in only a few instances:

• For events taking place at the Museum
• For requests that have broad local participation with a clear, easily accessible explanation for our visitors
• When there is a direct, important tie to our significant and long-term community partnerships

Entering into a relationship with the Museum—as a partner or sponsor, or for an event or space rental—does not guarantee a lighting request. Submit your request at least three weeks in advance of the intended lighting date(s) to communications@mam.org.

Please note:

• We do not approve or deny requests based on the merit of the cause or the organization.
• We cannot guarantee the exact color requested.
• We will not color the water in the fountains in order to protect the water circulation systems and the environment.

The Milwaukee Art Museum has made every effort to obtain permission to use images of event participants. Participation in any of the Milwaukee Art Museum’s programs constitutes an agreement by the participant and/or the parent or guardian to authorize the Museum to photograph or film participants and/or their artwork from time to time, without compensation, for possible use in publicity, website, and marketing efforts.

Read what terms and conditions you accept when visiting the Museum online in addition the Museum’s rights and reproduction policy and privacy policy.

The Museum limits donations of admission tickets to fellow arts and cultural organizations. Qualifying organizations should submit requests to mam@mam.org.