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 for any 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 need a photo permit. Please read all the details below.

Visitors, photographers, and all crew are expected to follow all museum guidelines.

The following chart is a helpful resource for determining whether you need a photo permit. Please read all the details below.

I want to…
  • Take photographs of artworks to remember my visit.
  • Share a photo of friends on my social media account
 You’re good to go! Please remember to follow all museum guidelines.
  • Pay a photographer to take professional photos of my group on the portico or inside the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. 
  • Take engagement photos etc. on the portico or the sculpture garden of the museum
  • Use a tripod, lighting, gimbal, or other equipment.
 A photo permit is required. Please fill out the form here. 
  • Take photos inside the New Orleans Museum of Art 
  • Use NOMA as a venue for a film shoot.
  • Take photos or videos for an advertising campaign
 A contract needs to be signed. Please contact events@noma.org.
  • Take photographs for reproduction in a newspaper, magazine, or blog.
  • 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: 

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 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  

  • $500.00 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.