Visitation policies

Please do not touch art objects.
The oils on your skin will damage the surface of a painting or the smoothness of marble, discolor bronze, or rust the strongest steel. Please help us preserve the art for future generations.

We ask that you keep a distance of at least 12 inches from the artworks.

Photography and video
Visitors are welcome to take photographs in the 2nd floor permanent collection galleries only (Gallery 15 excluded) unless designated with a “No Photography” sign. Photographs are only allowed for personal, non-distributional, noncommercial use. Flashes, tripods, monopods and video cameras are prohibited.

Backpacks, large bags and umbrellas
Please leave backpacks (including baby backpacks), large bags and umbrellas at the front desk or you may use the coat check. Lockers are available for your convenience near the Museum Shop for 25¢. Please stow your over-sized items there.  

Food and beverages
Food, beverages, and chewing gum are not allowed in the galleries.

Cell phones
In the interest of maintaining a pleasant environment for all of our guests, visitors are asked to place cell phones on silent mode or turn them off while in the galleries and leave the galleries to have your conversation.

Animals
Service animals are welcome. Pets and non-service animals are not permitted in the building.

Weapons
There are no firearms or dangerous weapons of any kind permitted on the premises.

Tobacco
Smoking is prohibited inside the building. The use of smokeless tobacco is also prohibited while in the galleries.

Inappropriate conduct
At no time will individuals engage in any activity that is dangerous to other visitors, staff or artwork.

Children
Children ages 12 and under are to be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times while inside the Museum.

Sketching in the galleries
For centuries artists have studied existing artworks as an invaluable exercise, and the Columbia Museum of Art is an excellent resource for today’s artists. Many visitors enjoy sketching in the Museum’s Classical, Renaissance and Neo-Classical galleries. Sketching in pencil, crayon, pastel and charcoal is permitted only in the Museum’s collection galleries. Please check in at the admission desk.

The Museum is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Copyright and use of content

Text and images published in this Web site are the property of the Columbia Museum of Art and are copyrighted. Redistribution is not allowed without permission.

For information on reproductions for publishing or commercial use, please contact the Registrar at 803.343.2154 or email cconnor@columbiamuseum.org.

Members of the working media may contact the Marketing and Communications department for information about publicity photography at 803.343.2170 or email pressinfo@columbiamuseum.org.

Fair Use Permitted: In addition to the above license, "fair use" (as defined by U.S. copyright laws) of the content is also permitted. Fair use of copyrighted material includes the use of protected materials for noncommercial, educational purposes, such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary, and news reporting. However, you must cite (refer to) the author and source of this material as they would material from any printed work. The citation should include reference to this Web site's address: www.columbiamuseum.org.