Visiting a museum should be a fun, enjoyable experience for all. One of the ways to ensure a positive adventure is to exercise appropriate museum etiquette. The following is practical advice for both the novice and the experienced museum visitor.

The desire to touch works of art is one of the most challenging parts of a museum visit with children. The mirror activity is a great warm-up before entering a museum or beginning a tour:

• Begin with a clean mirror.
• Have participants form a circle.
• Have each participant press a finger on the mirror and pass it around the circle.
• Discuss the surface of the mirror with fingerprints and without fingerprints.
• Draw a comparison between fingerprints on the mirror and fingerprints on a work of art.
• What would happen if every visitor in a museum touched a work of art?

Remember:

• It is okay to talk about art.
• Food and drink are saved for lunch.
• All parts of the body should remain at least two feet away from works of art-just like you, works of art have a comfort zone!
• It is okay to touch with your eyes, but not with your hands (this includes walls, labels and display cabinets. Pens, pencils or sharp objects should not be used for pointing and may not be allowed in the galleries.
• Walk (do not run) through the galleries so you do not miss your favorite work of art of the day!
• Have a signal to obtain immediate attention and control of your group.
• Have fun!

To make your museum experience most enjoyable, we recommend that you:

• Bring a sweater or light jacket, as temperatures can be uncomfortably cool to conserve the art.
• Make sure you have a map of how to get to the museum.
• Know what is on exhibit to prevent surprise.
• Pick up a floor plan of the museum when you arrive.
• Locate restrooms and water fountains.
• Sit and relax if you are tired.
• Purchase a souvenir in the gift shop to provide an excellent memory of this adventure!