Almost anything goes in an art gallery. Almost. Even taping a banana to a panel with masking tape and selling it for $120,000. But, as with everything, there are certain rules you must follow (unless you’re staging a performance that breaks all the conventions—but that probably isn’t the case if you’re reading this).
Whether you visit exhibitions every week or are about to step into your first gallery, these ten rules for visiting an art gallery will help you enjoy your visit, take care of the artwork, and share the space with others. You don’t need to know anything about art history to get started—all you need is curiosity and a few tips.
Knowing where the construction begins… and where it ends
Sometimes, the problem is distinguishing a work of art from something that looks like something else. In 2004, a cleaning woman at Tate Britain in London threw away a plastic bag full of newspaper and cardboard. The problem: it was part of an installation by the artist Gustav Metzger.
One of the rules for visiting an art gallery is to approach art with a curious eye, even when a piece baffles you. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should observe, read the available information, and ask questions before jumping to conclusions.
Do not touch, unless the artwork permits it
This is a common rule in galleries, even if the textures of a piece make us want to do the opposite. If the artwork allows for interaction, the instructions will indicate so. And yes, sometimes that invitation can take things to the extreme, as in the performance *Rhythm 0*, staged in 1974 at Studio Morra in Naples. For six hours, the artist Marina Abramović remained passive in front of a table with 72 objects that the audience could use on her.
But if that’s not the case, the rule for visitors remains the same: before touching anything, make sure the artwork allows it. Just because something is within your reach doesn’t mean you can touch it.
Keep Your Distance
A work of art may invite you to take a closer look, but that doesn’t mean you should press your face against the canvas. Leave some space between your body and the artwork, avoid leaning against the walls, and be mindful of what you’re carrying: when you turn to discuss a painting, for example, your backpack might bump into a sculpture behind you.
If there is a line or barrier in place, please respect it. As tempting as it may be to get closer, leave enough space to observe the piece without putting it at risk.
Speak softly
Even if you’re standing in front of Edvard Munch’s“The Scream,” don’t try to imitate it. Keep your voice at a moderate volume so that others can view the artwork without your conversation dominating the entire room. For example, if a piece includes sounds or a recording, speaking loudly may prevent others from hearing it. You can talk and laugh; just be mindful of your volume and save phone calls for outside the galleries.
And put your cell phone on silent. Unless your ringtone is John Cage’s “4′33″,” a piece in which the performers don’t play their instruments. In that case, probably no one will notice.
Ask Before Taking a Photo
Your Instagram can wait: Before you pull out your phone, check the guidelines or ask the staff if you can take photos and use a flash. Just because a work of art looks amazing doesn’t mean you have permission to photograph it. And if photos are allowed, avoid turning the gallery into your own personal photo studio: getting the perfect angle doesn’t justify getting too close to a piece or making others wait for you to finish your photo session.
Coffee isn’t going anywhere
Unless there is a designated area where it is permitted, keep food and drinks out of the exhibition halls. An unexpected movement, a stumble, or a poorly placed coaster could send your cappuccino spilling onto a work of art and turn you into the star of a disaster worthy of Borja’s “Ecce Homo,” whose attempted restoration by the Spanish artist Cecilia Giménez ended up making headlines around the world. If drinks are served during an opening, follow the staff’s instructions and avoid setting them down on pedestals: what looks like a table might actually be part of the exhibition.
Criticism also has its own forms
You don’t have to like everything you see, and you can say so. But a gallery isn’t the comments section on your Facebook either: there’s no need to raise your voice or make provocative remarks just to get attention. If you have a comment, you can share it with the artist or the gallery staff when the opportunity arises. Asking, “Why did you choose this material?” can spark a much more interesting conversation than a off-the-cuff criticism.
Take off your headphones for a moment
Your playlist can wait. If a performance includes sounds, voices, or music, give yourself the chance to hear what the artist has to offer. Bringing your own soundtrack might cause you to miss part of the experience, as well as instructions from the staff. Not all performances are just for watching—some are also meant to be heard.
Art doesn’t need a label
In principle, anything goes: we’re talking about art, not a retreat at a monastery. You can wear sneakers, bold colors, or that outfit that deserves a spot in a display case. Comfort is key, especially if you’re going to be on your feet for a while or walking through the galleries.
But keep in mind: the dress code depends on the gallery and the occasion. A Saturday visit isn’t the same as an invitation-only opening reception. If specific dress codes are listed, follow them; otherwise, dress however you feel comfortable, making sure your accessories won’t damage any artwork or get in the way of other visitors. You can save those long-toed tribal boots for another occasion.
There’s a place for children, too
Taking children along can be a great way to introduce them to art. Before you go in, explain to them that they can ask questions, use their imagination, and share their opinions, but that the sculptures aren’t toys to climb on and the paintings aren’t surfaces to touch.
In 2018, a five-year-old boy knocked over the sculpture “Aphrodite of Kansas City” by Bill Lyons at a community center in Overland Park, Kansas. His family received a claim for $132,000 from the city’s insurance company. A hug for a sculpture can end up costing a lot more than you might think.
Join them on the tour and go at their pace: it’s better to have a short visit that they enjoy than to force them to go through every room.
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