CMA Photography & Video Policy

For private, non-commercial purposes, visitors are permitted to take still photographs and video using point-and-shoot cameras, phones, and handheld video equipment only, provided there is no disruption to museum operations or guest accessibility. Flash photography, tri-pods, monopods, additional lighting, or professional video equipment are prohibited. Due to copyright issues, photography and video is prohibited for works on loan to the museum, works created after 1900, and in special exhibitions.

Wedding parties looking to take quick snapshots are permitted on the museum’s grounds or in the Ames Family Atrium only. No flash, tri-pods, monopods, or additional lighting is permitted. Groups must not obstruct visitor traffic. All museum policies regarding packages must be followed. Professional photography shoots may be scheduled in advance for a fee.

Professional Photography Shoots

Professional photography is permissible in conjunction with booked events within the rented space at no additional charge. Photography outside the rental space or independent of an event incurs photo charges. Sessions may be scheduled in the Ames Family Atrium, Plain Dealer Lobby, and Rotunda outside of museum hours for a fee of $500 for the first two hours, with additional charges of $200 per hour for shoots exceeding this period. Reservations for photo sessions can be made no sooner than 14 days prior to session.

For additional information on professional or commercial shoots, please contact us at photos@clevelandart.org [1]. 

If you are a member of the media, please contact mediadesk@clevelandart.org [2]   

Bags, purses, backpacks, baby backpacks, and umbrellas larger than 13 x 17 inches must be checked at coat check or stored in a locker. All umbrellas must be checked at the coat check.

Service animals accompanying disabled individuals are welcome.

Sketching with pencils is permitted in the museum’s collections galleries but not in special exhibitions.

Copying works of art

Guidelines The following guidelines for copying works of art must be followed:

GENERAL
Copyists may use a dry medium only, other than pastels, charcoal, and chalks, which are prohibited, to copy works in the Cleveland Museum of Art collection. The Cleveland Museum of Art asks the copyist to maintain a minimum distance of 4 feet from the object being copied and to be aware of other visitors and tour groups. It is prohibited to copy works of art on loan to the museum and works of art restricted by copyright. No copyist or other person may offer any copy for sale on the premises of the museum, nor may any person solicit commissions or employment to copy while on museum property. The copyist must never make any representation, explicit or implicit, that the copy is anything more than a reproduction by the copyist of a work of art. In order to avoid problems of traffic flow in the galleries, only one person is permitted to copy a single artwork at any given time. The copyist is also advised that Protection Services may ask that work be discontinued if a problem is perceived or if galleries become crowded with other visitors.

Copying may take place Tuesday–Friday, 10:00–4:00. Due to heavy traffic in the galleries, copying is prohibited during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and at any time between Christmas and New Year’s Day.