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Museum Guidelines

Guidelines for Class Visits to the Art Museum and the Skinner Museum
Help us preserve our Museum collections by following these guidelines:

  • Please check backpacks, large bags, coats, umbrellas, and other large items in the locker area adjacent to the Museum lobby before entering the galleries, or in the Skinner Museum foyer.

  • No food, gum, or drinks (including water bottles) are allowed in either Museum.

  • Only pencils (and not pens) are permitted in both Museums, including the Carson Teaching Gallery.

  • No touching of the artwork is permitted. Do not point with any objects (including pencils) and keep a distance of at least 6 inches.

  • Still photography without flash is permitted for private, non-commercial use only. Videotaping and use of tripods or selfie sticks are not permitted without prior arrangement. Visitors are responsible for determining copyright restrictions.

  • Accessible restrooms and a water fountain are located in the Art Museum lobby; all galleries are accessible.

  • Note that only the first floor of the Skinner Museum is fully accessible, and no publicly accessible restrooms or a water fountain are available on site.

  • Please let us know in advance if any students in your group need special accommodations.

Additional Guidelines for Studio Art Classes
We encourage sketching in both Museums. For safety, please follow these guidelines:

  • Drawing pads and masonite boards must not be larger than 18 x 24 inches.

  • Only graphite pencils are permitted. No charcoal, pastel, crayon, ballpoint pens, ink, markers, fountain pens, or watercolors.

  • Pencil and eraser shavings must be contained. Receptacles are available from the guard on duty.

  • While sketching, please do not hinder visitor traffic flow in the galleries.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

Art Museum: Tuesday–Friday (11:00 am–5:00 pm), Saturday & Sunday (1:00–5:00 pm)
Closed on Mondays

Skinner Museum: Available for class appointments. Please contact ealvord@mtholyoke.edu to schedule a visit.

Search the Museum’s online Collections Database of 24,000 objects: museums.fivecolleges.edu

Download an accessible PDF of these guidelines