No works of art, vitrines, or pedestals may be touched.

Still photography for personal use is permitted. No flash, tripods, or camera extension poles are allowed. Videotaping for personal use is permitted only in the lobby. The Museum reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph or video anywhere on its premises. No photographs or videos may be reproduced, distributed, or sold without permission from the Museum.

An adult must accompany children under the age of 12.

Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the Museum or MOCAD Café. Food and drinks purchased at MOCAD are permitted only in MOCAD Café and may not be carried into the galleries or other areas.

MOCAD reviews all filming/photography requests on a case-by-case basis. A review of requests for the Museum to be featured in advertising commercials depends on the nature of the product and context. A request for the Museum to be featured in films depends on the film’s nature.

The Museum may not be a background shot for a generic museum or gallery to be fabricated later in the film.

• Location fees vary. The fee may vary depending on the type of publicity/identification the Museum receives. The fee does not include Museum guard/staff costs, which are $40 per person per hour. Location fees are not charged for shoots that are part of newspaper/magazine editorials that promote the Museum.
• Shooting setup may not prevent Museum patrons from entering or exiting any Museum entrance.
• Works of art may not be moved or altered in any manner.
• An artist’s copyright protects certain works and can only be photographed in a general gallery view, in which the copyright-protected artwork is not the primary focus or predominant element in the photograph. Should you wish to photograph works that fall into this category, advance permission is required. Some works may be available for photography only by agreeing to pay fees set by the copyright holder.
• Proof of a $1 million insurance policy is required before the shoot.
• Catering must be contracted through MOCAD Café and/or a vendor from MOCAD’s Preferred Vendors list for any on-site food and beverage service. No other catering service may be brought on the premises except for individual bottled water.

All requests must be submitted in writing ten business days before the date you asked for. Completion of your request does not imply permission. Permission will depend upon the answers to the requested information below. You will be notified in advance of Museum approval for your plans and informed of any direct costs related to security, cleaning crew, and/or electrical services, in addition to the location fee. If you have additional questions about the Museum’s policy, please contact us at 313.832.6622.

Sketching is permitted in the galleries (pencil only, no ink or paint) with sketchbooks no larger than 8 1/2 x 11 inches (21.6 x 27.9 cm). No easels, stools, or sketching while sitting on the floor is permitted.

Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere in the Museum.