Court of Honor at the Legion of Honor museum, 2011. Photograph by Henrik Kam
Museum policies
The following policies apply to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s indoor and outdoor areas.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming museum experience for all members of our community. Racism, discrimination, harassment, or abusive behavior of any sort will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to deny admission, prevent entry, and/or ask a person already admitted to leave based on these behaviors.
We reserve the right to temporarily suspend a person’s right to visit the museum for up to six months for failure to comply with any Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco policy. The visitor will be advised of the suspension in writing at the time of the incident. In the event the visitor has left the premises before the notice is issued or if the patron refuses to receive the notice, the notice will be held at the location of the incident until the visitor returns. Any visitor whose right to visit is suspended under these rules has a right to appeal.
Allowed items policy
Standard-size backpacks are allowed. All bags, purses, and backpacks larger than 8 in by 8 in by 5 in must be carried by hand. To ensure the safety of the collection, we do not permit visitors to carry bags on their backs in the galleries. If you are a visitor with a disability and unable to carry your backpack by hand, you can either check your backpack with coat check on the lower level or ask for a heart sticker to put on your backpack. The sticker alerts Security that you are allowed to wear your backpack on your shoulders. Bags larger than an average carry-on (exceeding 9 in x 14 in x 22 in) are not allowed and cannot be stored at coat check.
Standard-size strollers are allowed; however please note that some exhibitions have restricted stroller access. Infant changing stations are available in all restrooms.
Please check:
Metal-frame backpacks
Oversize packs and bags
Long umbrellas
Rollerblades, skateboards, helmets, and collapsible scooters
Baby-carrier backpacks (unless convertible to the front) and oversize or jogging strollers
Prohibited items
- Weapons
- Knives, box cutters, and scissors
- Flowers, plants, feathers, and balloons
- Flammable liquids
- Permanent markers and spray paint
- Bicycles (bicycles can be secured at outside racks)
- Oversize luggage (exceeding 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches)
- Electrically motorized boards (hoverboards)
Shirt and shoes are required (no cleats or wheeled shoes).
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum. Only food and beverages purchased in the cafés are allowed in the cafés and adjoining terraces. City ordinance does not permit smoking or vaping in the museum or park.
Only service and support animals are allowed in the museum.
Artwork policy
Do not touch the art, including pedestals and bases. Please keep your hands at least 18 inches away from artworks.
Personal photography
The capture of still photography and short videos with smartphones or small handheld cameras for personal use is generally allowed in the open spaces and permanent collection galleries, (exceptions are noted near the title of each work). Large cameras, tripods, selfie sticks, flash photography, and long-form videos are not allowed.
Professional photography (including wedding and engagement photography) is not allowed inside Museum galleries.
- Special / temporary exhibitions
Photography is allowed in most special exhibition galleries, unless otherwise stated on-site. - Legion of Honor’s Court of Honor
Personal and professional photography (including engagement and graduation photography) is allowed in the Court of Honor with a handheld camera, so long as the shoot does not prevent visitors from entering the building (including the colonnade) or enjoying the art. Tripods, selfie sticks, light fixtures, props, and other camera equipment are not allowed. - Turrell Skyspace
Commercial photography of any kind is not allowed without explicit permission from the artist. - Drones
The operation or use of any drones, unmanned aircraft / flying systems, and remotely controlled or radio-controlled flying machines (whether or not motorized) of all types, shapes, and sizes at any time in the vicinity of or on Museum property is prohibited.
Share your images with us on social media by tagging #LegionOfHonor and #deYoungMuseum.
Commercial photography
If you are interested in renting the de Young or Legion of Honor for a commercial photo or video shoot, advanced approval and contracting are required. For more information, please submit an inquiry.
Media and press photography
Press images of the de Young and Legion of Honor are available for media stories. Once you select an image, caption information can be found under the “i” icon in the top right-hand corner
If you are interested in exhibition images, please visit the press room or reach out to press@famsf.org.
Submit a request for a photo or video shoot.
Sketching policy
Sketching is allowed for individuals using a pencil and a small (9 in by 12 in or smaller) handheld pad during public hours in the permanent collection. Sketching in special exhibition galleries requires a sketching permit and is subject to lender and gallery restrictions. Please see our sketching, copying, and painting rules / permit application for more information.
Art of Manga + cosplay policy
We aim to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all staff and visitors, including those who participate in cosplay. This policy ensures safety, respect, and enjoyment for all while preserving and considering the integrity and atmosphere of the museum and art collections.