Why museums prohibit photography

Mondo Culture Updated on 2024-01-29

Do you know why museums prohibit taking pictures?As a treasure trove of culture and history, the museum attracts many tourists. However, you may notice that there is a common rule in many museums: no photography. Do you know what considerations this seemingly restrictive regulation is based on?

First of all, the preservation of exhibits is one of the main reasons why museums prohibit photography. Many museum collections, especially those of ancient art and artifacts, are very sensitive to environmental conditions. Especially when it comes to light, these precious exhibits are often very fragile. Ultraviolet and visible light in sunlight and strong light sources can accelerate the degradation of artifacts. Prolonged or intense light, especially the use of flashes, can cause paper, cloth, and certain pigments to fade or degrade. Therefore, in order to extend the life of the exhibits and maintain their original condition, museums generally prohibit the use of flash photography or even all forms of photography.

Secondly, the issue of copyright was also an important factor. Many of the works on display, especially modern and contemporary art, are still protected by copyright. Museums may only have the rights to display these works, but not the right to allow visitors to take photos and share them online. In order to respect the rights and interests of artists and copyright holders, and to avoid legal risks, museums often restrict the taking of photographs of these works.

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