San José Museum of Art

See what you think.

SJMA Visitor Guidelines

Community Commitment

At the San José Museum of Art, we are committed to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for everyone—visitors, staff, and volunteers alike.

To maintain a positive and inclusive atmosphere, we have a zero-tolerance policy for verbal or physical harassment, discrimination, threats, or any behavior that interferes with the experience of others or the work of our professionally trained frontline staff. We reserve the right to ask any individual acting inappropriately to leave the premises.

By entering the Museum, you agree to abide by all SJMA policies.

Visitor Conduct

We ask that all visitors respect the artwork, fellow visitors, and Museum staff. The following behaviors are prohibited and may result in immediate removal:

  • Any conduct that may endanger people, artworks, or property
  • Verbal or physical abuse, discrimination, threats, or harassment
  • Photographing, filming, or recording staff without their consent
  • Running, rough play, or other disruptive actions
  • Unauthorized gatherings, solicitations, press conferences, or performances
  • Unauthorized entry into restricted or controlled areas.
  • Use of unauthorized sound or projection equipment
  • Smoking or vaping, including electronic cigarettes, anywhere on Museum property, or within 20 feet of any entrance or exit
  • Resale or transfer of tickets or membership benefits

Note: Shirts and shoes are required at all times while in the Museum.

Prohibited Items

Items prohibited in the Museum:

  • Weapons of any kind, including tools or dual-use items
  • Hazardous materials (e.g. pepper spray, flammable liquids, explosives)
  • Sporting and recreational equipment (e.g. bicycles, scooters, skateboards, skate shoes, rollerblades)
  • Marking materials, spray paint, adhesives, or art supplies (other than pencils)
  • Illegal substances
  • Outside alcohol is not permitted
  • Pets or animals (except service animals, which must be leashed and under control) Service animals are welcome. The ADA defines service animals as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” In alignment with the ADA, the Museum does not allow Emotional Support, Comfort, or Therapy animals to accompany you during your visit. More information can be found here
  • Any other item that could put the art, staff, or visitors at risk, to be determined at the sole discretion of the Museum

Items prohibited in the galleries and coat check:

  • Food and beverages (except water in a secure bottle or for medical reasons)
  • Selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, or professional video gear
  • No wagons or metal-framed baby carriers. Single strollers may be borrowed from coat check on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Backpacks, including diaper bags, and child carriers may not be worn on the back. Carry by hand below the waist, wear on the front, or check at coat check
  • Organic flowers or plants
  • Balloons
  • Wet umbrellas are not allowed, unless in a bag; small umbrellas must be stored inside your bag or checked. Large umbrellas must be checked

Note: The Museum may confiscate prohibited items at its discretion.

General Museum Policies

Children

Visitors 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or over at all times.

Crowd Control

Please keep pathways, doorways, and staircases clear.

Do Not Touch

Help protect the art—do not touch artwork, frames, platforms, walls, or labels. Interactive works will be clearly labeled.

Bags and Coat Check

Complimentary coat check is available on a first-come, first-served basis. SJMA may refuse items based on size or space limitations. All items are left at the owner’s risk; the Museum is not responsible for belongings left behind.

  • Large bags and backpacks must be checked. Small bags may be carried in hand or worn on the front.
  • Luggage is not allowed.
  • Food, perishable items, and drinks in open containers are not allowed. Drinks in sealed, spill-proof containers are allowed.
  • Small umbrellas must be bagged (bags provided); large umbrellas must be checked.
  • Items must be retrieved before Museum closing. A claim tag is required for retrieval.

Photography and Media

  • Non-flash photography is allowed for personal, non-commercial use, unless otherwise noted.
  • Professional equipment such as selfie sticks, tripods, external lighting, and large detachable lenses are not permitted.
  • Professional filming of artworks, galleries, and interior spaces is not permitted without prior approval by Museum staff.
  • Photographing, filming, or recording staff is not permitted without their consent.
  • Under no circumstances may photos of works of art taken at SJMA be sold in any format, including digital format, without express written permission of the copyright holder (which may include the artist, artist’s heirs, or other parties).
  • San José Museum of Art (SJMA) may photograph, film, or videotape visitors for educational and promotional purposes. By visiting SJMA, you consent to the use of your likeness, voice, or video image for these purposes.

Sketching

  • Sketching with pencils is welcomed.
  • Use of charcoal, markers, pastels, paint, or other media is prohibited. These materials may not be brought into the Museum or coat check.
  • Pencils and clipboards are available upon request.

 

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, welcoming, and inspiring space for all.

For questions and comments about this policy, please visit: Contact San José Museum of Art.