11 Ways to Behave in an Art Museum

If you’re used to the hands-on museums, you may want to look at my list of 11 ways to behave in an art museum.

Pretentiously commenting for all to hear or taking steps, forward and backward and from side to side as though you have just discovered the one stroke hidden by the artist which reveals his torment is fine. However, when there is a line of people waiting for you, step aside. 

So, you’re an art enthusiast, the paintings is speak to you. We are there to have it speak to us too.

A survey conducted by a renowned museum indicates that people look at a painting for a median time of 17 seconds. The Mona Lisa gets an average of 15 seconds.

“A painting in a museum hears more ridiculous opinions than anything else in the world.” –Edmond de Goncourt

11 ways to behave in an art museum:

  1. Most museums do not allow food/beverages, so please don’t.
  2. Don’t chew gum. Especially if you snap.
  3. Parents: watch and teach your child how to behave.
  4. Ridiculing an exhibit or painting is a bit “junior high”.  Walk on by if it displeases you.
  5. Don’t touch. Placing your hands over the statues body parts–again, so “junior high”.
  6. Before snapping photos, find out whether it is permitted.
  7. Speak in a quiet voice. People go there to ponder, absorb, and even meditate.
  8. Do not accept a phone call. Silence your phone.
  9. Don’t step in front of a someone; wait or stand to the side. (hope they get the hint)
  10. Move to the side and please stand back, we bought tickets too.
  11. If you are an art expert, keep your commentary to yourself or between you and your date. Not everyone is interested in your art appreciation lesson.

 Rosalinda’s remarks: To sum it up: showing a little consideration towards others won’t take away from your experience.   

Helping Businesses and Individuals Find Success Through Better Communication and Social Skills

having lunch with a CEO, business dining etiquetteRosalinda Oropeza Randall, Social Skills and Civility Presenter, Media Source, and author of “Don’t Burp in the Boardroom.”

Presentations are available to support HR policies, sales teams, up and coming managers, millennials & new-hire orientation process, service technicians, professional development events, conferences, college/university students, interns. For more information, please contact me, 650.871.6200.

Photo source: Getty Museum