Photography Policy and Permit

We want you to be able to record your picture-perfect moments at the museum! We welcome guests to take photographs of exhibitions on their cell phones, but all photo shoots inside the museum, on the front steps, or in the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden require a photo permit. 

The following chart is a helpful resource for determining whether you will need a photo permit or another form of permission granted by the museum for your upcoming or intended visit. Please review the below examples to determine what permissions you will or won’t need for your visit. 

I want to…
Take photographs of artworks, family, or friends to remember my visit or to share on my personal social media account. No permit needed! Please remember to follow all museum guidelines.
Pay a photographer to take professional photos on the portico or inside the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, or take photos that require the use of professional photography equipment (such as tripods, a gimbal, etc.) A photo permit is required. Please fill out the form here. 
Use NOMA’s interior or exterior as a film or photo shoot venue, or take photos or videos of the museum and sculpture garden intended for commercial use and/or advertisement purposes. A contract needs to be signed. Please contact events@noma.org.
Plan an elopement in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Please contact the Private Events Director at events@noma.org. Prior approval is required.
Take photographs for reproduction in a newspaper, magazine, or blog; or film a television segment for a news outlet. Journalists should contact press@noma.org with all press inquiries.

GUIDELINES FOR ALL PHOTO SHOOTS REGARDLESS OF PERMIT TYPE: 

  • Party size (including all photo subjects and photography crew) limited to 5 people total
  • Follow all NOMA and Besthoff Sculpture Garden guidelines
  • Please be considerate of other visitors
  • Do not block sidewalks or pathways
  • No extended use of a single area or artwork*

PERMITS FOR OUTDOOR PHOTO SHOOTS 

If you are interested in taking photos for special occasions, a photo permit is necessary. These special occasions may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Engagement photography
  • Large group/organization photography 
  • Graduation photography
  • Wedding photography
  • Family portraits

A photo permit must be requested 48 hours in advance of the date and time preferred. Same-day permits are not guaranteed. Permits may take place in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden or outside of the museum on the portico and front steps. Please note that permits will not be issued on Mondays or after 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Pricing 

PERMITS FOR INDOOR PHOTO SHOOTS 

Due to the volume of requests for photo sessions inside the museum, NOMA does not permit shoots during regular museum hours or when private events and NOMA programs are taking place.

Pricing & Availability  

  • $600.00 per hour
  • The Director of Private Events will work with your party to schedule a photo shoot outside of museum hours. 
  • To request a photo permit indoors, please email events@noma.org to schedule a time. 

PROFESSIONAL COMMERCIAL SHOOTS FOR FILM, TELEVISION, AND PRINT 

Commercial photography and videography includes, but is not limited to:

  • Television shows
  • Movies and films, including documentaries
  • Fashion shoots
  • Advertising campaigns

Commercial photography and videography shoots require a scheduled appointment and are only permitted in approved locations within NOMA and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Shoots may only take place on dates and times that do not interfere with patron experience. Shoots require a signed Event Rental Agreement and Certificate of Insurance. Copyright rules and fees apply. 

Pricing & More: 

  • Fees range between $1,000.00–$1,500.00 per hour for pre-production, production, and post-production and must be paid in advance.
  • Photography of certain works of art in both the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden require advance permission from third-party copyright holders, and some works may only be available for photography or film by agreeing to pay fees instituted by the copyright holder.
  • While NOMA staff are able to provide guidance, permission to reproduce any work of art is the responsibility of the photographer. Please click here for more information on rights and reproductions, before you make your request. 

To request a professional commercial shoot, contact events@noma.org or 504.658.4139. 

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY FOR PRESS

If you are a journalist or producer and are interested in covering the museum and Besthoff Sculpture Garden, please contact press@noma.org. A NOMA staff member will supervise all on-site photography and videography.

Failure to adhere to requirements or follow staff direction may result in being told to cease activities and leave the premises with no refund of your permit. NOMA reserves the right to prohibit photography in any area at any time.