Visitor & Member Code of Conduct

The Buffalo AKG Art Museum has adopted the following code of conduct to ensure everyone’s enjoyment of its services and facilities. So that all who enter feel welcome and safe, museum visitors are required to comply with these guidelines.  

While at the museum:  


Use Spaces as Intended  

• Please view the art from a safe distance—look but refrain from touching artwork on display (unless invited to do so). 

• Sketching with graphite pencil in the galleries is welcome; however, the use of all other mark-making materials is limited to Studios. Materials such as paint, adhesives, epoxies, or glues may not enter the galleries. 
  
• Consumption of food and drink, including chewing gum, is limited to designated areas and cannot enter galleries.

• Sleeping, smoking, vaping, drug use, and inappropriate activities are not permitted in the restrooms or elsewhere on museum grounds. 


Be Considerate of Other Visitors, Staff, and Volunteers 

• Audible cell phone use should be kept to a minimum and take place outside gallery areas. External speakers or sound amplification devices are not to be used in the museum without prior approval. 

• Conduct that is disruptive to others or poses risks to the health or safety of other visitors, museum staff, or volunteers is prohibited. Conduct that poses any risk to the artworks, collections, or buildings is also prohibited.

• Solicitation or the sale, distribution, or posting of unauthorized materials is not allowed on the premises. 

• Be respectful; obscene, harassing, or abusive language or action towards others is unacceptable. This policy applies to in-person and virtual museum programming and events.


Act Responsibly to Ensure the Safety of Artwork, Yourself, and Others 

• Children of all ages are welcome; please ensure children are attended at all times by an adult. Strollers and front-facing baby carriers are permitted. 

• To prevent injury or harm to yourself, others, or artworks, it is important to walk slowly and carefully. Please refrain from running.   

• Photography and video without flash is allowed and encouraged for personal, noncommercial purposes, unless otherwise noted. The following are not allowed in the galleries: commercial photography, portrait photography, private photo shoots, live streaming, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, lighting, or cabling.

• Please leave all backpacks, purses, and bags larger than 10 x 10 x 4 inches in our complimentary lockers. Small backpack-style purses and crossbody bags can be worn front-facing. Umbrellas may be left in holders near entrances and cannot enter the museum. Luggage may be left in a vehicle or in a coat room. Unsecured items are left at your own risk.  

• Recreational and sporting equipment such as scooters, skateboards, wagons, or hoverboards; shoes with wheels, roller skates, roller blades, bicycles, or wheeled items other than mobility devices may not be brought or worn into the museum.  

• Trained service animals are welcome; however, emotional support animals and pets are not permitted in the museum.

• Weapons of any type are prohibited in the museum and on the museum grounds. This includes firearms of any type and/or ammunition; stun guns; cutting tools, including knives, scissors, and blades; tools and tool parts; and any items that could be considered dangerous to people or art, including hammers, saws, sharp objects, poles, and sticks (other than walking sticks or canes with a rubber tip.)

• Hazardous materials may not enter the museum, including pepper spray, mace, and other chemical compounds or biological agents that could be considered toxic, including flammable liquids, aerosols, fuels, fireworks, chemicals, and explosives.

• Items that pose a safety hazard are not permitted at the museum, including flashlights, laser pointers, and other things that emit light; anything designed for or capable of flight; banners and signs, confetti, balloons, plants, and flower arrangements; costumes with protruding items or masks that cover the face; and any other items that could put the art or visitors at risk, to be determined at the sole discretion of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.

• Violating any federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance, including any applicable public health mandate, is prohibited.


Additional Disclaimers 

• Visitors who do not contribute to a safe and welcoming environment for all will be invited to adjust their behavior. Anyone failing to do so upon request will be asked to leave the museum grounds without refund. 

• The Buffalo AKG Art Museum reserves the right to inspect all items entering or exiting the premises. Bags smaller than 10 x 10 x 4 inches are permitted in the galleries and will be inspected upon entry. 

• Please note that visitors to the museum may be photographed, filmed, or otherwise recorded via video or audio. By attending, you grant the museum permission to use photographs and/or audiovisual recordings in which you appear for archival, documentary, publicity, advertising, or other purposes. 

• Please note that the museum issues advance tickets to manage attendance capacity. Although we encourage you to plan your visit in advance, same-day tickets are available. If you have any questions, please email info@buffaloakg.org.

We do not tolerate any form of discrimination. If you experience or witness conduct that you believe is discriminatory, harassing, or inconsistent with this commitment, please reach out to an identified Buffalo AKG team member, or contact us at 716 270 8292 or info@buffaloakg.org. The Buffalo AKG Art Museum aspires to create and maintain a welcoming environment where every visitor is treated with humanity, dignity, and respect.