We are pleased that visitors consider NMWA as a location for photos. To ensure a positive experience for every visitor, including maintaining a pleasant and safe experience, please note the following rules and guidelines.
At the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), we’re proud to offer a beautiful Great Hall and Mezzanine, captivating galleries, and a landmark historical façade. We welcome visitors who wish to capture and share their experiences in our stunning environment.
We allow visitors to take photos at NMWA in accordance with the following guidelines.
General Guidelines for All Visitors
- The museum reserves the right to refuse admittance for photography/videography and/or to change its photo policy without advance notice.
- While visiting NMWA, you may be photographed, filmed, or recorded. By entering the museum, you grant NMWA the right to use these images or recordings for promotional, educational, archival, or other museum-related purposes, in print and digital media.
- NMWA assumes no responsibility for any loss, damage, or injury to persons or personal property arising from photography or filming activities conducted at the museum.
- NMWA does not allow flash photography; works in the museum’s collection may only be photographed with available light.
- For information on formal photo shoots and filming/videography, please see “Formal (Wedding, Engagement, and Private) Photo Shoot Guidelines” and “Filming Guidelines” below. For information on media access or photography for press usage, please see “Media Photography and Filming Guidelines.”
- Tripods, selfie sticks, extension cords, and other photography equipment are not permitted.
- Props, furniture, unchecked luggage, and clothing changes are not permitted.
- Entrances, hallways, stairwells, and emergency exits must remain accessible. Brief photo opportunities or pauses in these areas are permitted, just be mindful of other visitors.
- Do not disturb or remove any existing furniture in the museum.
- To avoid congestion at the entrance, please meet and collect your party outside of the museum or within the Great Hall once everyone has been admitted. Please do not congregate in front of the Information/Ticketing Desk.
- Remember that NMWA is a private museum, open to the public, and that regular business continues during normal operating hours.
- Photography may be limited during private event setup. Any party that has booked a private event in our Great Hall has permission to use that reserved area for the length of their event.
- The museum reserves the right to restrict access to certain areas, or revoke permission if guidelines are not met.
Formal (Wedding, Engagement, and Private) Photo Shoot Guidelines
This category includes wedding or engagement photos, family portraits, corporate headshots, and other posed or private photos.
- No ceremonies are allowed at NMWA unless coordinated and arranged in advance with the Special Events Department.
- Appointments must be made in advance through the Special Events Department. All photo shoots are subject to availability. Contact SpecialEventsInquiry@nmwa.org to request an appointment.
- Formal photo shoots are typically scheduled on Mondays, when the museum is closed to the public.
- Photo shoots are limited to the Great Hall and Mezzanine.
- Photo shoot clients must sign an agreement with NMWA and abide by the rules set out in the agreement.
- The fee is $300 per hour. Photo shoot reservations cannot be refunded. If a photo appointment must be rescheduled, please give at least two business days’ notice.
- Photographers must provide NMWA with a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that names NMWA as an additional insured. NMWA assumes no responsibility for any loss, damage, or injury to persons or property arising from photography or filming activities conducted on its premises.
- The general photography/videography guidelines outlined in “General Guidelines for all Visitors” must also be observed.
Media Photography and Filming Guidelines
This category includes contracted and prospective freelancers, as well as members of the press who wish to take photographs and video for news outlets, publications, digital media, and other press-related usage.
- Appointments must be made in advance through the Communications and Marketing Department. All photo shoots are subject to availability. Contact media@nmwa.org to request an appointment.
- A member of the Communications and Marketing Department (or, for social media influencers, Digital Engagement Department) escorts and facilitates press on site, with prior notice and confirmation of remit and image/filming usage.
Filming Guidelines
Filming is defined as an opportunity for filmmakers, corporations, and nonprofits to use the museum as a location for video production.
- For inquiries by filmmakers looking to use or reference specific artworks or artists in our collection, please contact media@nmwa.org and interncuratorial@nmwa.org.
- For non-art-related filming, appointments must be made in advance through the Special Events Department. All filming is subject to availability. Contact SpecialEventsInquiry@nmwa.org to request an appointment.
- Filming clients must sign an agreement with NMWA and abide by the rules set out in the agreement.
- Filmmakers, videographers, and clients must provide NMWA with a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that names the museum as an additional insured.
- The fee is $800 per hour. Filming reservations cannot be refunded. If a filming appointment must be rescheduled, please give at least two business days’ notice.
- For inquiries by students, please also contact the Special Events Department.
