Museum Guidelines | The Joslyn

Due to the oils in our skin, even the lightest touch can damage a work of art, so please don’t touch. Be careful to keep your hands, bags, and bodies a safe distance from artwork (we recommend at least a foot). To avoid accidentally bumping into and damaging works of art, running and roughhousing are not allowed. On occasion, an artwork is meant to be touched; we will let you know with a sign when it’s ok.

Food, beverages, and gum are not permitted in the galleries. Outside food and drink are not allowed inside the Museum (exceptions: secure water bottles*, food or beverage items required for medical needs, sack lunches for school groups). Meals and snacks can be purchased at The Durham Cafe. You may bring your own food or snacks to enjoy outside in our sculpture gardens.

*screw caps only please; no slide lids, flip-tops, disc tops, sports caps, or other straw/spout lids

Please leave backpacks, suitcases, and large bags (over 12” x 16”) at home, locked in your car, or stowed in the free lockers near the Hawks Pavilion Welcome Desk. Diaper bags and medically required bags may remain with you. Branded Joslyn Art Museum bags are approved and available for purchase in The Shop. Umbrellas must also be stowed in a locker or by the coat racks near the Hawks Pavilion Welcome Desk.

Yes, we welcome visitors of all ages! Strollers are permitted in most areas; signage will indicate if they must be parked in a designated space. Children under age six must always remain by an adult’s side, and older children should remain in the same general space as their chaperone. Please do not carry a child on your back or shoulders in the Museum. Kids can wear a Museum Hero wristband to show they are ready to protect the art—by walking in the galleries, not running, looking, but not touching. Ask about self-guided resources and fun programs for young visitors at our Welcome Desk. Youth under age 19 must be accompanied by a responsible adult during school hours; some exceptions apply.

Personal, non-commercial photography without flash is welcomed in our permanent collection areas. Some exhibitions cannot be photographed and will be noted with signage. The use of tripods, flash, or video cameras requires prior permission. Organized photo shoots of individuals or groups (e.g., family pictures, senior photos) require advance permission, reservations, and payment of a fee.

Organized Photo Shoots at The Joslyn

Talking on a phone in the galleries is prohibited (please mute ringtones). If you need to take or make a call, please do so in public areas outside of the galleries. When using a phone to access content on our digital guide, please use headphones.

The galleries are a great place to pause and sketch—bring your pencils, notebooks, and drawing pads. Please leave pens, markers, crayons, paint, easels, and large drawing pads at home.

Animals are welcome in The Joslyn’s sculpture gardens but must be restrained. Please clean up after your pet. If an animal’s presence is disturbing the peaceful enjoyment of the gardens by other visitors, we will ask you to remove the pet from the property.

The Joslyn is a smoke- and vape-free property. Weapons are prohibited on Joslyn Art Museum property, including, but not limited to, knives, firearms, and prop/toy weapons.