Etiquette of visiting the museum
((Pay attention to these practical points when visiting museums))
Museums preserve the ancient human heritage and no material value can be ascertained for the works preserved in them. That’s why visiting them has etiquettes that we are all required to follow.
Usually people try to visit public and historical places, especially museums, to be more careful than ever, especially in controlling the movements of their hands and feet, but, nevertheless, it can be said that many People from the manners of visiting the museum, its special rules and even various tips for better and more visiting these places; They are unaware and therefore may not reach what they should ultimately gain from visiting a museum. Let’s examine what are the etiquette of visiting the museum and how it should be observed.
Visiting the museum has special etiquette and rules. It is better to get acquainted with these rules before anyone in the museum reminds us of them, so that in addition to enjoying this cultural experience, we also allow others to use the museum environment and do not prevent them from visiting them under different titles. .
Of course, visiting the museum has many rules and etiquettes, some of which are communicated directly to visitors in various ways, and some of them are in fact the hidden rules and etiquette of visiting the museum. These unwritten rules, many of which seem obvious, are sometimes far more important than the general rules governing museums.
Museums are public cultural sites that hold centuries-old relics of a nation’s history. By watching the works displayed in the museum, we get acquainted with the life of our predecessors. Sometimes the history of the museums themselves is very interesting. The rules of museums and the etiquette of visiting them should not discourage you from visiting these amazing places. It is enough to know that a museum is different from a shopping center and a playground.
The rules set in museums are only for the better and easier use of museum visitors. These laws also help museum owners to better and better preserve the museum’s valuable heritage and pass it on to future generations.
Observe silence
How did you feel every time you entered a museum? I mean, the kind of lighting and arrangement of equipment has never encouraged you to be silent? The fact of the matter is that crowding and making noise in the museum annoys other museum visitors. Anyway, you are in the museum for this so that you can carefully and calmly see a historical monument up close and examine it with your own knowledge, so not observing your silence in the museum not only disturbs the peace of others. It even beats your attention, and you may not remember anything at the end when you left the museum.
Note that the galleries and halls of every museum are not a place to talk loudly. Therefore, the first rule of museum etiquette is to observe silence in the museum or speak in a calmer voice.
Deliver your bags before going to the museum
Most museums have a place near the front door to check and store visitors’ clothes and bags, so take this opportunity. Having large and heavy bags prevents you from visiting and does not allow you to easily visit all parts of the museum. Lack of backpacks and bulky bags prevents unpleasant events such as breaking things.
Do not prevent other visitors from visiting
Of course, you can pass in front of the artwork and watch and enjoy it for a few minutes, but you have to stand a few steps away so that other visitors can see the artwork as well. Needless to say, do not pass in front of a person who is visiting a work of art and do not prevent others from visiting to get closer to that work.
Find enough information about the date of the work
There are some works of museums that you may ask yourself when you visit them, is it possible that someone likes these works at all? But before you ask this question to anyone, I think you should look at the history of the same work that did not dazzle your eyes, only then you will realize many things!
For example, when you know even a little bit of Greek philosophers, the National Archaeological Museum in Greece is like a paradise reached by a time machine, taking you straight to ancient times.
If you adhere to this principle of museum etiquette, then you will understand that all these changes are just because you know who ordered the construction of these works and for what purpose.
Do not crowd around a work of art
Even if you are very enthusiastic about a work and you are new to the art and history of it and have little information, but somehow you have finally heard somewhere about the great artists and their outstanding works of art.
Our next rule in a series of museum etiquette rules is to never crowd around a work of art. For example, you have finally heard the name of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa Smile and even heard some of the stories around it, but when was it like hearing and seeing? On the other hand, anyone who sees a work of art has the right to stand and look at it and inspect it with their meticulous gaze, but think for a moment that there are many people like you who want this work like you. To see And scrutinize?
That’s when the artwork starts to get crowded, and you and others break one of the rules for visiting artwork. However, do not forget that great works of art have security fences, and gathering in front of them and exceeding their limits, this can damage these works. To protect these works, newer strict security measures are being taken.
Do not miss the museum masterpieces
Keep in mind that the popularity of a museum does not mean that from the beginning of its entrance hall to the end, you will encounter famous and extraordinary works, but the masterpieces of a museum are scattered in different parts of it.
Of course, keep in mind that since you usually do not have enough time to visit the entire museum in one day, and if you have, it is beyond your patience. So we suggest that with the help of books or guided tours, you focus on the best works in the first place, and then when you run out of energy, and if you finally have time left, visit the rest of the museum works and works.
Make your phone inaccessible
Calling or talking while looking at the works of a museum not only annoys others, but also causes you to not be able to enjoy being in this cultural place enough, and that is exactly why it has become a ritual. Visit the museum. Messaging is the best way if you have to connect with the world outside the museum or if you want to share your location with your friends. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York does not allow any visitors to make telephone calls in the main halls and corridors of the museum. In this museum, if you want to contact someone, you have to go to the lobby.
Find your favorite works
From the moment you enter the museum, be sure to take a look at the shop manuals or postcards of the shops to get a summary of the artists whose works you are going to see. For example, sometimes when you leave the museum, you suddenly remember that even though the name of your favorite artist was mentioned in the brochure, his works were not seen when you visited. This is where you can ask tour guides to help you show the relevant section so that you do not return home with regret.
Do not expect all the works of the museum to surprise you
It is a fact that not all works in the museum attract the attention of all visitors. The work that caught the attention of another visitor may not be very appealing to you. Of course, there are some museums that display amazing works, but if you do not feel special about a work while others are paying special attention to it, do not worry. Continue to visit the museum to find that eye-catching and attractive work.
Do not take pictures of everything
Remember that if you want to follow the rules of visiting the museum in full, you really do not need to take pictures of all the objects in the museum and in the corners. Rather, we suggest that you only take photos of works that catch your eye and are specific to you.
If you are constantly thinking about taking photos, you will not be able to enjoy your visit well and see different parts of the museum and at the same time you will be disturbing others in some way. Sometimes you want to take a photo of the description of the work and information about the artist for later, but you do not need to do this. You can access this information easily from the museum website or online catalogs.
Do not use the flash when shooting
If you are photographing in a museum that allows visitors to take pictures, make sure your camera flash and phone are turned off. Flash light can damage and destroy the constituents of works of art. Even in some museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, some works of art have separate curtains that cover them, and you have to remove the curtain to visit these works because the dim light of the gallery is too much for them and they may be damaged.
Post your selfie later on social media
Do not rush to send your selfies that you take in the museum on Instagram or other places. Do this after you reach a suitable place such as a bench or museum lobby. It is not possible to visit and enjoy all parts of the museum while constantly choosing the right filter and writing captions. There is another benefit to waiting for the right time to upload a photo to Instagram. Gives you the opportunity to take better photos and choose the best photo to share with others; A photo that all your followers will admire.
Be careful how you walk
As you walk through the museum, watch out for the security lines drawn around the artwork and the various protective railings, especially when a work is on the ground. Always be two steps away from objects and people in the museum. Be careful around you. One wrong move can lead to a domino and break a valuable vase.
Speed up with others
It is a little harder to visit the small museums that happen to be crowded. In this situation you have to adapt to the situation. In crowded museums you can not read all the descriptions of works of art and graffiti. In this case, you can use voice tours. Berk
Some museums have applications that you can install and use on your personal device. In this case, you no longer need to pay for the tour guide.
Do not touch anything
Although this is one of the main and most important rules of museums, there are still those who do not follow this rule and touch important and valuable objects. A work of art, even if it has no protection and is placed outdoors or hung, is still part of the museum’s valuable work and should not be tampered with.
Do not lean against walls
Of course, there are many walls in the museum, but they are not designed to support you. Although visiting the museum can be tedious, avoid leaning against its walls, whether they contain artwork or not. If you are tired and unable to stand, find a bench in the lobby and relax a bit.
Listen to the words and explanations of others
If you are particularly interested in one of the paintings and its description does not work for you, first get some information about it yourself. Then listen separately when tour guides explain the work. Usually each of them uses a specific source for their explanation; So their professions will complement each other. An easier option is to join one of these tours from the beginning; Just remember not to stand in front of the work and do not ask questions regularly and just listen, not in a way that bothers those around you.
Avoid eating and drinking!
One of the most important rules of museum etiquette is to abstain from eating and drinking because, no matter how careful you are; It may accidentally and unintentionally damage artwork. Eating and drinking have long been banned in museums. Today, most museums, restaurants and cafes are well thought out and there are play areas around the museum that are more suitable for these activities.