London British Museum

Messages
13,675
Name
Jak
Edit My Images
No
Hi guys, can anybody tell me if photography is allowed inside the British Museum please?
 
Honestly I've never thought to check, but I've never been there without a camera around my neck, and no one has ever mentioned it, so I presume it's fine.
 
I believe you are fine to take handheld - no tripods allowed.
 

14. Film, photography, 3D imaging and audio recording​

  1. Except where indicated by notices, you are permitted to use handheld cameras (including phones) with flash and 3D imaging software, and audio and film recording equipment not requiring a stand.
  2. You may use your photographs, scanned data, film and audio recordings only for your own private and non-commercial purposes, which include use in personal, non-commercial social media profiles, blogs and websites, provided no further commercial reuse of the content is permitted by the terms of use of the social media platform or website. More information about uses that we regard as 'commercial' can be found on our Filming at the Museum page.
  3. You must make arrangements with the Commercial Filming Team if:
    1. you need to use a stand or special lighting or other equipment for filming, photography or audio recording in the Museum;
    2. you wish to take any commercial or professional film or photography.
  4. You must respect the privacy of other visitors while taking photographs, filming or making audio recordings in the Museum. If a visitor complains that your photography, filming or recording is intrusive you may be asked to stop or leave the Museum. Please be aware of guideline 6.1 above.
  5. The use of 'selfie sticks' (or similar devices) is not permitted within the Museum.
 
Many thanks guys, appreciated ;)
 
A few years back, there was a bag check and I wasn't allowed in as my bag contained a tripod. Even once you're in without a tripod, you may be asked to move along if you're using a large DSLR/mirrorless in one spot for too long.
 
This might go against the grain and conventions, but I generally ignore any signage and just take what I want to take discreetly, and if anybody complains either apologise or just say I wasn’t taking any photos and checking a setting etc in a disarming way. I don’t take photos of people, just things… I feel no moral conflict. Obviously don’t do it in government installations etc, but despite any signage, my experience is most people don’t care as long as you’re discreet.
 
Last edited:
When I was regularly visiting London for street photography, the British Museum for a period was the place I used to get started. I got approached by security one day and just politely said I was a photography student (which was kind of true) and all was ok. No problems
 
Back
Top