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Visit guide
The Do's and Don’ts of Visiting an Art Gallery
Whether you’re a total newbie or a cultural connoisseur, visiting an art gallery can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a few basic dos and don’ts to help make the most of your trip, and avoid any embarrassing faux pas.
Do: Plan Ahead
There’s something undeniably romantic about wandering into a gallery without any idea of what you want to see. Alas, this is a sure-fire way to miss-out on some of the best exhibits, and a one-way-ticket to cultural burnout.
Don’t: Touch
Alright, this one might seem a bit obvious… but when some paintings are worth upwards of 100 million big ones, it’s definitely worth repeating.
Do: Read Between the Lines
Some people like to experience art in a vacuum, but reading-up on the context behind a particular work can transform and enrich our understanding of it.
For example, Edvard Munch’s The Sick Child hits so much harder when you know that it was based on his own sister, while Paul Gauguin’s dodgy personal life completely changes how we view his paintings of Tahiti.
But if you find traditional gallery labels a bit stale, you’re not alone. Download MuseMuse for bite-sized breakdowns of all your favourite pieces, packed full of fun facts and juicy gossip.
Don’t: Talk (Too Much)
A gallery isn’t a library, so if you want to discuss a painting with your friend, or argue about whether we should cancel Picasso, then knock yourself out. But try to keep it down, and try to keep it on topic, because it’s hard to focus on the art when someone’s barking into a mobile phone, or debating what to have for dinner.
Do: Take a Break
Visiting a gallery shouldn’t be an endurance test. Make sure to take a seat every now and then, and if you find yourself seriously flagging, a trip to the café is a great opportunity to refuel and recharge.
Don’t: Get in the Way
Last but not least, we’ve got the art gallery equivalent of manspreading. There’s usually more than enough space for multiple visitors to take in a painting, but then someone decides to stand directly in front of it, blocking everyone else’s view.
Obviously, this is incredibly annoying: so make sure that this someone isn’t you.
Off You Go.
So, there you have it, the MuseMuse guide to the dos and don’ts of the gallery world. With these top tips, you’re ready to make the most of your visit. But don’t get too hung up on etiquette: the most important thing is to enjoy yourself.
