Visitor Code of Conduct

The National Gallery of Canada is committed to providing a safe, secure and respectful environment for all visitors, employees, volunteers and contractors.

We value the diversity, self-worth and human rights of all. We welcome respectful dialogue and strive to treat each person with dignity and respect without violence, abuse, harassment, racism, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour.

Anyone whose conduct is abusive, disruptive or disrespectful may be asked to leave the Gallery.

 

Guidelines Regarding Visitor Conduct

The National Gallery of Canada is home to Canada’s national collection of art. We welcome large numbers of visitors each day who, each in their own way, actively discover the building’s architecture, archives, collections, events and programs. Ensuring our visitors can safely participate in such activities requires a secure and fully inclusive space centered on art and free of harassment and discrimination.     

Each person who chooses to enter the Gallery is asked to follow the guidelines governing personal conduct and admissibility listed below.

Before you visit the Gallery, please be aware of the following general conditions:  

Visitors are not permitted to touch or make contact with the works of art on display (unless otherwise indicated).

Personal items such as bags or backpacks larger than 16”×12”×5” (40×30×12 cm) in size, as well as umbrellas, banners, flags, tripods, monopods, selfie-sticks, skateboards, ice or inline skates and trekking poles are not permitted in the Gallery. For your convenience, these items can be stored in our cloakroom free of charge. Inflated balloons including tied down helium balloons cannot be brought into the building.

Eating and drinking is permitted in designated Gallery food service and reception areas. Food and drink is not permitted inside any exhibition spaces.    

Children under the age of twelve (12) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while at the Gallery. Those under the age of six (6) must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian at all times. 

Hand-held devices may be used to take non-flash photographs for personal use only (except where indicated). 

Service animals are welcome in all Gallery spaces. Each animal must be clearly identified by visual indicators such as a vest or harness. Other animals are not permitted in the building.

Public safety and admissibility: 

Visitors are not permitted to create any activity that could be described as a performance, or any activity that has the effect, intent, or propensity of drawing attention to themselves on Gallery property. Visitors shall not make a declaration or speech, create a media event or stage a photo opportunity without prior approval from the Gallery.  

Weapons of any kind, including a firearm, knife, cutter, blunt instrument, pepper spray aerosol can, as well as any pyrotechnical material such as fireworks, firecrackers or the use of an open flame, are not permitted on Gallery property.

Any person or group exhibiting aggressive, harassing or threatening behaviour, using objectionable or lewd language, displaying hate-related symbols, or evoking hatred in any way towards another person, group or museum staff, will be asked to leave Gallery property.

The use of illegal drugs or abuse of alcohol or drugs on the premises will not be tolerated. Any individuals suspected of being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs will be asked to leave.

Visitors must be clothed and wearing appropriate footwear before entering the Gallery. Individuals actively concealing their identity by way of a costume or mask will be denied access. This does not apply to individuals following established religious customs and dress.

Loitering, vending, soliciting, petitioning or demonstrating, as well as handing out unsolicited information or obstructing access or egress in any way is not permitted. The Gallery reserves the right to search a person, package and/or personal belongings when entering or leaving the building.