VMFA Visitor Policies
Thank you for being mindful of the following policies intended to ensure safety and enjoyment for all as well as the vital protection and preservation of the collection for future generations of Virginia Museum of Fine Arts visitors.
Museum Essentials
Accessibility and Accommodations for All
VMFA welcomes visitors of all abilities and cultures. Please contact Visitor Services at info@vmfa.museum ahead of your visit to discuss how we can assist with any accommodations you may need.
Service animals, as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are permitted in all VMFA facilities. Visitors may not bring emotional support animals, therapy animals, or any other animals not covered by the ADA into any VMFA facilities.
Visit the Accessibility at VMFA page to learn more.
Please Do Not Touch the Art
Please do not touch the art, display cases, and pedestals throughout the museum and in the Sculpture Garden.
Children and Families
Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. One adult chaperone is required per 10 children on group visits. Strollers are welcome in the galleries and can be borrowed from Coat Check. Wagons, scooters, and other wheeled toys or vehicles are not permitted. A Mother’s Lounge is located near the Interactive Gallery. Baby carriers are welcome in the galleries.
Breastfeeding of children is permitted in all museum spaces. Bottle-feeding of infants is permitted in all museum spaces provided the bottle is held by an adult.
Values and Personal Safety
To help promote a culture of civility, diversity, inclusion, and equality, join us in showing courtesy to all. Harassing, discriminatory, or threatening behavior is strictly prohibited.
Photography and Videography
Visitor Policies in the Galleries
Prohibited Activities
- Do not touch or lean on works of art, display cases, and pedestals.
- Eating and drinking in the galleries is not allowed.
- Stepping, walking, and sitting on display platforms is prohibited.
- Remain at least two (2) feet away from any work of art.
- Crossing any stanchions or other barriers is prohibited.
- Running, yelling, and disruptive behavior is not permitted in the galleries.
- Sitting on stairs is prohibited at all times.
- Visitors may sit on the floor in the galleries provided they do not impede the passage of other visitors, do not block fire exits, and do not create a tripping hazard.
- Children may not be carried on another person’s back or shoulders outside of a baby carrier.
- Parents should not let children push strollers.
- Writing and sketching in the galleries must adhere to the following:
- Only graphite pencil may be used to write or sketch in the galleries.
- Sketching may be prohibited in galleries where special exhibitions are on view.
- Groups of 10 or more wishing to sketch in graphite must contact Tour Services to make arrangements. Such arrangements can be accommodated only during the museum’s public hours and must be made a minimum of three (3) weeks in advance. Email tourservices@vmfa.museum for more information.
- Anyone wishing to paint or use materials other than graphite must submit a request through Visitor Services. Email info@vmfa.museum to make a request.
Prohibited Items
VMFA’s Security Officers and/or Security Associates will screen for prohibited items at all entry points. Prohibited items in the galleries include but are not limited to the following:
- Food and drinks may not be consumed in the galleries except for approved Special Events.
- Only water bottles that are closed, secured, and concealed may be carried through the galleries.
- All other food and beverage containers must be left at Coat Check.
- Items exceeding 16” x 13” x 8” are not permitted in the galleries.
- Umbrellas are not permitted in the galleries and may be left at Coat Check.
- Flash, auxiliary lighting, tripods, props, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
- Wagons, scooters, and other wheeled toys or vehicles are not permitted. However, mobility devices designed to aid a person with a disability are permitted.
- Balloons are not permitted.
- Smoking, vaping, aerosols, or any other product that sprays or produces vapor are prohibited.
- Firearms or explosive material are prohibited in all VMFA facilities (Code of Virginia § 18.2-283.2). Blades, knives, and any similar sharp objects are also prohibited.
- Laser pointers are not permitted.
- Paint, including paint markers or pens (outside of approved requests) are not permitted.
- Works of art that are not owned by VMFA, are not on loan from another institution, or are not otherwise under control of VMFA’s Director of Registration are prohibited unless they have been issued a “Non-Museum Property Pass.”
Visitor Policies in the Sculpture Garden
General Policies
- Dogs are welcome, and their owners are responsible for the following:
- Every dog must be leashed and under the owner’s control at all times.
- Owners are required to clean up after their dogs.
- Only beer/wine purchased from the museum’s Best Café is permitted in the Sculpture Garden.
- Bicycles are permitted on all roadways, sidewalks, or pathways that do not have steps.
- When pedestrians are present, bicyclists should dismount completely and walk.
- Pedestrians always have the right of way.
- Bicycles are not permitted on grass areas.
- Organized non-museum gatherings of 10 or fewer attendees are allowed.
- Non-museum gatherings of more than 10 people require coordination with VMFA’s Special Events department. Email specialeventsinquiries@vmfa.museum.
Prohibited Activities and Items
- Do not touch, sit on, or lean on the sculptures or their pedestals.
- Visitors are not permitted to stand, sit, or reach into any water features.
- Outside wine/beer/alcohol is not permitted on campus.
- Skateboards, in-line skates, and roller skates are not permitted in the Sculpture Garden or the VMFA Parking Deck.
- Throwing or kicking balls, frisbees, or other projectiles in the vicinity of any sculptures is not permitted.
- Please do not bring tables, tents, or large props and decorative objects.
- Do not block walkways or access points.
- Loud music that is not provided as part of VMFA programs and events is prohibited.
- Drones are prohibited on VMFA grounds.
- No soliciting, pamphleteering, assemblages or the displaying of flags, banners, or devices designed or adapted to bring into public notice any party, organization, or movement shall be permitted within the museum, its grounds or other properties except as provided herein.
Museum-wide Photography Policies
Personal, Educational, and Professional Photography
- Personal photography and videography are allowed.
- Photography and/or videography of works of art that are on loan to VMFA or are on display in special exhibitions may be prohibited and noted as such on nearby signs.
- Flash, auxiliary lighting, tripods, props, and selfie sticks are prohibited. Only single-unit, hand-held cameras are permitted.
- The use of drones is prohibited on VMFA grounds.
- When capturing photos and/or video, be respectful of other visitors and minimize disruption in the galleries.
- All photos must be for personal or educational non-commercial use only.
- Professional photo shoots or portraits for individuals or groups may take place only in the Sculpture Garden or non-gallery areas of the museum. Some areas may be restricted due to high visitor volume or special events. Large groups, bridal photo shoots, and any private gallery photo sessions are limited to those who have booked a special event through VMFA at specialeventsinquiries@vmfa.museum.
Commercial and Press Photography
Commercial or Press photography includes any use for publication, whether in print or online. Commercial photography, videography, and film requests should be submitted to lillian.dunn@vmfa.museum at least four weeks in advance. Press should direct all requests and inquiries to amy.peck@vmfa.museum with as much advance notice as possible.