Photography and Videography Policies

Photography and videography for casual, personal, private, non-commercial use is permitted by visitors to the Palmer Museum in most spaces (unless otherwise posted) as long as the below guidelines are followed:  

• No flash photography is allowed in the galleries. 
• No use of stabilization devices such as tripods, monopods, gimbals, or other external rigs and carts are allowed.  
• Camera bags and other equipment may be restricted depending on their size. 
• Photo and video must not be disruptive to other visitors or limit accessibility to entrances/exits, exhibitions, doorways, walkways, and high-traffic areas. 
• Keep 18 inches away from any art objects, artifacts, walls, and cases. 
• The photography must be under one hour during regular hours and cannot be during Sensory-Friendly Hours. 
• Photos and videos are permitted for private, noncommercial use only and may not be published, sold, reproduced, distributed, or otherwise commercially dispensed without express permission from the Palmer. 
• Any commercial/commissioned photo or video requires pre-approval and a Photography Pass (see below).
• Personal photos that include more than four people to a party require advance notice and a Photography Pass as outlined below. No day-of permission will be given. 
• Graduating Penn State students who want graduation photos in and around the Palmer Museum may take photos without pre-approval as long as: 
  • No more than four are in a group 
  • They check in with Visitor Services before entering the galleries
• Visitors who would like to take photo or video at the Arboretum must follow their guidelines, located here: https://arboretum.psu.edu/visit/visitor-policies
• Restrooms are not available to use as dressing rooms for photo/video purposes. 

For Academic Purposes 

• Photography or videography for “academic purposes” includes any photo or video taken at the museum for use in academic projects by students and/or educators.  
• The Palmer will do its best to work with students to meet their needs, though it is not always possible to work within tight timeframes for projects related to the museum that include Q and As, interviews, or staff involvement.  
• Permission for academic purposes requires no fee but requires a Photography pass and may require up to two weeks’ notice for scheduling. 
• Photography Passes must be shown at check-in to Visitor Services upon entering the museum. 
• The time limit for academic purposes is two hours per project and must be done during regular hours except during Sensory-Friendly Hours.
• Projects may require staff accompaniment through the museum. 

Graduation Photos

• Graduating Penn State students who want graduation photos in and around the Palmer Museum may take photos without pre-approval as long as: 
• No more than four are in a group 
• They check in with Visitor Services before  entering the museum 
• The time limit for a photo session is limited to one hour and must be done during regular hours except during Sensory-Friendly Hours. 

For Media Purposes  

• Photography or videography for “media purposes” about the Palmer Museum includes any photo or video needed for articles, publications, news stories, press releases, radio, or public-television broadcasts; and for other materials made available to a relatively limited audience.  
• Permission for media coverage requires no fee but requires a Photography Pass and may require two weeks’ notice for scheduling.  
• Media must check in with Visitor Services upon entering the museum and may require staff accompaniment. 
• The time limit for media purposes is two hours per project. 

Commercial Purposes  

• “Commercial purposes” includes any photography or videography taken for financial benefit or third-party promotions. This includes wedding, engagement, family, or portrait sessions using a professional photographer. 
• Requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the preferred photo/video date. 
• Permission for commercial purposes requires a Photography Pass and may require a one-time, non-refundable fee at the time of the request. No day-of passes will be given. 
• Guests and photographers are required to check in at the Visitor Services desk to show their Photography Pass. 
• The time limit for commercial purposes is one hour per project and must be done during regular hours except during Sensory-Friendly Hours. 
• Photographers and videographers are required to secure copyright permissions from any copyright holder for works on view before reproducing any work for financial benefit or third-party promotions. 

The Palmer Museum reserves the right to prohibit photography in any area at any time. Failure to adhere to guidelines or staff direction may result in being asked to stop taking photos or video and/or leave the museum.