the klog

When I went to New York City recently, I saw that their MOMA allowed photography when I was in the Olafur Eliasson exhibition, while I wasn't allowed to shoot the same exhibit when it was at SFMOMA. I've always thought that their strict no photography policy was backward-thinking, but that was the last straw. I fired off an angry email to them. While writing the email, I did a little research, and I found that the De Young, Legion of Honor, and Asian Art Museum all allow photography except in special exhibitions. That's been my experience with all the major museums in New York, London, and Paris, too. Only some smaller museums seem to ban photography, and some in Italy, where many policies are stingier. :P

I totally didn't expect them to listen to me, but, to my surprise, they've actually already decided to change that policy! From Thea Stein, Marketing & Communications Assistant:

Thanks for contacting us. Actually, as of July 14, SFMOMA’s photography rules are changing—this matter has been under discussion for quite some time. Photography with no flash will be allowed in our galleries with the exception of some special exhibitions. I hope you visit us again soon and feel free to ask me any questions in the meantime!

That's awesome! :) I look forward to going back there then! :)