Museum Policies and Frequent Questions

Information for Museum Visitors

Photography Policy

As stewards of culturally significant objects, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (the Museum) holds the responsibility of safeguarding both the physical integrity of the artwork on display and its protection from copyright infringement. In line with this commitment, we kindly request visitors adhere to the following guidelines without exception.

The UMFA actively encourages photography within its galleries for personal, non-commercial purposes. This practice not only enables visitors to share their experience with friends and family but also contributes to the collective memory of the Museum.

Guests are welcome to document their visit using cell phones or small cameras for personal, amateur photography purposes only.
No filming, videography, or professional-grade equipment is permitted.
Photography is not allowed in areas posted with a “No Photography” symbol or of objects identified with the “No Photography” symbol.
No flash photography of any kind is allowed, including flashes on cell phones.
Long lenses, large cameras, tripods, light stands, selfie sticks, gimbals, or large camera bags are not allowed in the galleries.
During your visit, you may encounter UMFA photographers or videographers capturing content for promotional and educational purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform the on-site photographer or staff member.

Commercial Photography/Videography

Due to the many exciting changes happening in the galleries in 2025, the UMFA is currently not accepting external professional and commercial photography requests. The regular policy will be reinstated in October 2025 following the completion of the new Mexican and Central and South American Galleries. Thank you for your interest in partnering with the UMFA for your production needs.

Commercial photography includes any work where photos are exchanged for money or where the use of the images taken within the Museum will be used for promotional or advertising purposes, professional artistic projects, portfolios, or for other types of financial gain.

Press Photography

For press inquiries regarding photography or filming access, contact Emma Ryder, the director of marketing and communications, at emma.ryder@umfa.utah.edu or 801.581.7328. The UMFA requires an equipment list for approval, with restrictions on tripods, light stands, gimbals, and boom mics.

Image Reproductions

Need a digital image for research, scholarly use, or publication? Fill out the reproduction request form. For questions, contact Adelaide Ryder, the head photographer and digital assets manager, via email at adelaide.ryder@umfa.utah.edu.

Policy Enforcement

The Museum reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph on its premises and grants permission to photograph objects in its collection on the condition that it is permitted to reproduce such photographs.

The UMFA reserves the right to modify the photography policy at any time and will update this page accordingly. Consequences for not adhering to the policy may include staff or security measures to ensure a respectful environment for all visitors.

Sketching and note-taking in the galleries

If you are planning a University class visit that involves sketching at the museum, please contact our tour coordinator at tours@umfa.utah.edu to make a reservation and to discuss any special requests. The use of the UMFA and its collections is part of the educational mission of the University of Utah, and our staff will facilitate your curriculum needs as best we can to make your class a success.

For individuals who want to sketch or take notes in the gallery, please review our policy below:

Individuals are welcome to sketch or take notes in the galleries. Please inform the welcome desk staff when you arrive that you wish to sketch in the galleries during your visit.
Sketching of works of art is allowed in all galleries, provided there are no restrictions by lenders.
Please ask a museum security staff member to confirm that sketching in that space is permitted.
Only graphite pencils are allowed in the galleries for note-taking and sketching.
No other media are allowed in the galleries.
If individuals need to sharpen their pencils, they must collect the shavings.
Paper and pads must be no larger than 13 x 17”.
Please maintain a distance of at least four feet from the art to protect the work and ensure that other visitors are still able to appreciate it.
Stools may be borrowed from the welcome desk if needed. Remember to position the stool at least four feet from the artworks and to avoid obscuring the object from others’ view.
Museum staff have the discretion to disallow sketching if the galleries are crowded or if sketching is creating a disturbance.
Easels are not permitted in the galleries.
In the event of an accident, please alert a security staff member immediately so that an incident report may be prepared. Individuals are responsible for any damage to works of art or building surfaces.

FAQs

How do I become a Museum member or contribute financially?

Thanks so much for your interest in supporting the UMFA. Visit the membership page for details on how you can become a member or make a donation.

I may be interested in donating a work of art to the UMFA. Who should I contact?

Review the UMFA’s art donation guidelines. You will need to download and return an art donation offer form and email it with accompanying images to the UMFA Curatorial Department at curatorial@umfa.utah.edu.

I’m a student or researcher interested in viewing artworks in the UMFA’s collections storage. Is that possible? Who should I contact?

We welcome scheduled visits for students, teachers, and researchers to view objects in the permanent collection for educational and research purposes. Visits must be scheduled in advance. Visit the collections page to submit your request.

I’m looking for background information about an original artwork or artworks in my possession. Can the UMFA help? Who should I contact?

UMFA staff are not available to offer appraisal, attribution, or provenance services. If you wish to obtain an appraisal, which would include research about the artwork, find a list of art appraisers in Utah or contact the American Society of Appraisers for a list of qualified art appraisers in the area.

Are there nude artworks on view in the Museum?

Yes. The UMFA is committed to inspiring critical dialogue and illuminating the role of art in our lives, including exhibiting and teaching about the nude figure in art. Among the oldest subject matters in the history of art, nude figures can be found in art throughout the world in many different cultures and time periods. Created for many different reasons—spiritual, scientific, and expressive—nudity has been a fundamental mode of representing and communicating the human condition.

For this reason, it is crucial that visitors and students are introduced to this very significant and diverse artistic tradition, one that is central to contemporary visual literacy. The beauty of art lies in the challenge and dialogue it inspires in all of us and its ability to connect to our contemporary lives, intellects, and bodies through time and across cultures.

Can I rent the Museum for weddings or other private events?

Yes. Visit the private event rental page to view the unique venues available to host your event. Contact events@umfa.utah.edu or call 801.581.5643 for more information

I’m seeking a donation from the UMFA for a charitable event or cause. Who should I contact?

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is pleased to support charitable causes within our community by providing general admission pass donations for fundraising events. Though we are unable to fulfill every request, we encourage you to submit an application. For more details on how to submit your request, please visit the Donation Request page.