Guidelines and policies
- Three main rules
- Restricted items
- Restricted behavior
- Strollers and carriers
- Photography in the museum
- Art Policies
Guidelines for your visit
Three main rules
To help ensure the safety and preservation of the art, we ask that you follow three basic rules during your visit to the museum:
1
Do not touch the art. Please keep a two-foot distance from all art, including outdoor sculptures and the reflecting pool.
2
No food or drink in the galleries. Guests are permitted to eat and drink outdoors or inside Rozzelle Court Restaurant and Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters.
3
Do not wear your bag or backpack on your back. Bags can be checked for free at coat check in the Bloch Building lobby. Alternatively, carry it or wear it on one shoulder or the front of your body.
Restricted items
| Can be left for free at Bloch Lobby coat check | Not allowed anywhere inside the museum |
| Wrapped packages Balloons Umbrellas Food or drink Luggage Frame backpacks Tripods Camera attachments Sports equipment | Flowers* Animals** Firearms or weapons Outside works of art *Florist-treated, approved flowers are allowed for special events. **Service animals are allowed and welcome anywhere in the museum. |
Restricted behavior
We encourage guests to explore the museum, positively engage with art, and express themselves appropriately. For the safety and preservation of the art and our guests, we do not allow the following:
- Piggyback or shoulder rides
- Smoking or vaping
- Running or horseplay
Carriers and strollers
For the safety of all guests and to protect the art, children may not be carried on the back or shoulders of an adult. Strollers and child carriers that attach to the front are allowed in the museum.
If you’re unsure, ask a museum staff member, call 816.751.1278, or email ask@nelson-atkins.org.
Photography in the museum
The Nelson-Atkins allows some forms of photography and restricts others. Flash photography is not permitted inside the galleries.
Personal photography: Although personal cameras and photography are permitted inside the museum, personal photoshoots, including portrait photography, are not. Equipment such as tripods or monopods are not permitted in the galleries. Selfie sticks must be used responsibly.
Professional: Portrait, bridal, or any other form of professional photography is not permitted inside the museum. If you are taking outdoor photography, you must first complete our photography sign-in and consent form. Please note: If your photo shoot interferes with other museum activity, you may be asked to relocate.
Commercial: Commercial photoshoots must be approved and arranged in advance. If you’re interested in a commercial shoot at the museum, call 816.751.1278.
Art policies
Appraisals
The Nelson-Atkins does not offer appraisals of art. However, we do provide a list of recommended national appraisers and auction houses.
View list
Sales, loans, and donations to the museum
The Nelson-Atkins occasionally considers unsolicited works if they fit within our collecting priorities. If you have art that you are interested in selling, loaning, or donating, please send images and detailed information about the work to ask@nelson-atkins.org. Offers of this nature are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Due to the large volume of offers we receive, we cannot guarantee a response to your inquiry unless there is a serious interest in pursuing the work for acquisition. We ask that you do not bring or send any original art to the museum as we cannot be held responsible for its safekeeping or return.
Provenance
The Nelson-Atkins conducts regular, ongoing research into the provenance, or history of ownership, of the works in its collection.
Privacy policy
Learn about how the Nelson-Atkins collects and uses the personal information of guests and visitors.