Policies

Guest Policies

The Asian Art Museum is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming experience for everyone. We reserve the right to deny admission, prevent entry, and/or ask guests to leave for violation of any museum policy.

We do not allow

Racism, discrimination, or abusive behavior of any kind
Smoking or vaping anywhere in the building
Food or drinks in the galleries
Damage to (or removal of) museum property
Solicitation, including distribution of advertisements
Firearms of any kind
Weapons (including pepper spray, flammable liquids, and explosives)
Sharp objects (including pocket knives, scissors, and screwdrivers)
Permanent markers and spray paint
Flowers, plants, and feathers
Balloons
Placards, signs, or banners
Drones and other unmanned or remotely controlled flying systems

During your visit

Look, but don’t touch: please keep hands at least 18 inches away from artwork and do not touch pedestals or bases.
Clothing and footwear are required.
Please silence cell phones.

Photography

Photography is permitted for personal, noncommercial use only. (Share your images with us on social media using #AsianArtMuseum!)
Use of flashes, tripods, selfie sticks, and drones is prohibited.
Photography is not allowed in some special exhibitions.
Photos taken at the museum cannot be sold, reproduced, or distributed without written permission. (To request an image or special dispensation, see the Photography and Image Rights page.)
By entering the museum, you allow yourself to be photographed, filmed, and recorded, and authorize the museum to use and share these images or recordings.

Bags & Coat Check

Standard-size backpacks are allowed.
To keep artworks safe, we do not permit visitors to carry bags on their backs in the galleries. Bags, purses, and backpacks larger than 8 x 8 x 5 inches must be carried by hand or worn in front.
If you cannot carry your backpack due to disability, please leave it with coat check or ask for a special sticker (alerting Security that you have permission to wear it on your shoulders).
All bags and packages are subject to search.

Please check:

Metal-frame backpacks
Oversize packs and bags
Long umbrellas
Rollerblades, skateboards, helmets, and collapsible scooters
Baby-carrier backpacks (unless convertible to the front) and oversize jogging strollers.

Animals

Guide, service, and support animals are welcome at the museum. Animals must be under control at all times (e.g., leash, carrier).

Strollers & Infants

Strollers and infant nursing/bottle feeding are allowed in all public spaces. Bottles must be in the control of an adult.

Sketching

Pencil sketching is permitted in the collection galleries (second and third floors). Sketching may be prohibited in special exhibitions; please check with museum staff.

Tours

To enjoy a self-guided tour, please download our free mobile guide app. Commercial tours led by members of the public are not permitted. Any group touring the museum may not include a lecture or talk unless prior arrangement has been made with the museum.