MUSEUM ETIQUETTE

Visiting Tips

We hope your visit to the Bowers Museum is as enjoyable as possible. If you have a question or special need, feel free to visit the Information Desk in the lobby, or simply ask a staff member or security officer.

The Bowers Museum reserves the right to inspect purses, briefcases and packages as employees and visitors enter and leave the premises.

Backpacks, large purses, and briefcases are not permitted in the galleries at any time.

Accessibility

All areas of the Bowers Museum are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs may be requested at the time of your visit from the security officer at the Museum's entrance. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are complimentary.

Cameras:

Still photography is permitted at the Bowers for private, noncommercial use. Photographs may not be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or used commercially in any manner.

The use of flash photography and/or tripods is prohibited at all times.

For inquiries related to press or commercial filming/ photography opportunities at the Bowers, please visit our Online Newsroom.

Food and Drink

Food and Drink are not allowed in the Museum's galleries or Kershaw Auditorium. Food and drink are permitted in the our restaurant, Tangata, in the Margaret Key Courtyard and on special occasions in the John M. Lee Court.

Gallery Behavior

It is prohibited to touch any of the artwork in the galleries. Many are very fragile, and even the stroke of a gentle finger can leave a residue of damaging oil on an object. For your protection and safety, no climbing is allowed on outdoor sculptures.
Re-Entry

You may not re-enter a Specially Ticketed Exhibition.

You may exit the Museum and our permanent collections and return later in the day if you would like. Tickets are valid from the printed entrance time through the end of operating hours on the day of your visit. Just remember: please retain your admission sticker and ticket stub to present upon re-entry

Restrooms

Restrooms are located on the main floor in Dorothy and Donald Kennedy Wing in the Anthony W. and Sharon D. Thompson Foyer and off the John M. Lee Court in the Dr. Wan-Lin & Assumpta Kiang Family Foundation Rotunda. Restrooms in the Historic Wing are located off the Main Foyer. All of these restrooms locations are wheelchair-accessible. Drinking fountains are located near the restrooms in the Dorothy and Donald Kennedy Wing.

Sketching

Sketching is permitted in the Bowers’ permanent collection galleries and special exhibitions. You may write down notes or sketch in the galleries, but only using dry media, such as No. 2 pencils. Please refrain from leaning against walls or glass cases while sketching.

Strollers

Baby strollers are permitted at all times in the permanent collection galleries. However, the use of strollers may be restricted in special exhibition galleries due to certain loan restrictions and high visitor volume in these areas.

For additional information call 714.567.3600

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