Look, but don't touch

While we encourage you to engage with the art presented in the Frye, please avoid touching any artworks. Paintings and other works of art are fragile and the natural oils on your skin could damage the surface.

Let us store your belongings

Please check any backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, or other articles at our Information Desk. Coat racks are located near the restrooms.

Take a picture; it'll last longer

See a work of art on display that you love? Sketching with pencils is always encouraged. Handheld still photography is allowed in most areas of the Museum, except in certain temporary exhibitions. See below for the complete photography and sketching policies. Postcards and catalogues featuring artworks are available in the Museum Store.

Enjoy food and drinks in the Gallery Café

A delicious assortment of entrées, desserts, coffee and other items are available in the Gallery Café, but please do not bring any food or drink into the galleries.

Kids, bring your parents

We encourage art lovers of all ages to visit the Frye, but children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

Photography Policy

Visitors to the Frye Art Museum may take handheld still photography in many areas of the museum and of works from the Museum’s Founding Collection for personal, non-commercial use. Photography of temporary exhibitions is limited. Please check at the entrance of all exhibitions or the gallery map available at the Information Desk for any restrictions in those galleries.

Flash photography, tripods, monopods, and video cameras are not permitted in the Museum.

Press photography requests must be approved by contacting the Frye Art Museum Communications Department at or (206) 432-8217.

Commercial and educational photography requests, including filming and videotape projects, must be approved in advance by contacting the Frye Art Museum Special Events & Facility Marketing Manager at (206) 432-8215.

The Frye Art Museum may photograph, film, or videotape visitors for educational and promotional purposes. Visitation is implied consent for the use of the visitor’s likeness, voice, or video image for marketing purposes.

Sketching Policy

The Frye Collections provide an exceptional setting for artists and visitors to sketch and copy works of art. We welcome all to sketch in the Museum galleries, however advance permission is required for groups of three or more artists. To request permission, please phone request two weeks prior to intended date of visit to (206) 432-8228.

We request that visitors follow these guidelines for copying works of art:

• It is prohibited to copy works of art on loan to the Frye Art Museum and works of art restricted by copyright. No copyist or other person may offer any copy for sale on the premises of the Museum, nor may any person solicit commissions or employment to copy while on Museum property. The copyist must never make any representation, explicit or implicit, that the copy is anything more than a reproduction by the copyist of a work of art.
• Portfolios, containers, and large bags are not permitted in the galleries and must be checked at the Information Desk.
• No additional equipment is permitted (i.e. lights, ladders, extension cords, etc.).
• Due care must be taken to prevent blocking aisles and doorways. Artists should not obstruct the view of any works of art.
• Graphite pencils or colored pencils are allowed for sketching. Liquids, oils, or anything that gives off dust such as pastels or charcoal are not allowed. No inks or waxes are permitted.
• Use of fixatives and sprays is prohibited.
• All sketching must be done at least four feet away from objects to allow visitors to view the artwork.
• Size of sketchpad may not exceed 9 x 12 inches.
• Sketching while sitting on the floor or on one’s own portable stool is permitted. Easels are not permitted. If galleries are crowded, Museum staff may ask visitors to stop sketching or writing.
• Sketching artists may work any time the Museum is open but should be packed up and ready to exit 10 minutes before closing.
• Museum Staff may ask that work be discontinued if a problem is perceived or if galleries become crowded with other visitors.
• The Museum is unable to accommodate large groups and classes, due to limited space in galleries.
• In the event of an accident, Registration or a Security staff member must be contacted immediately so that an incident report may be prepared. Artists are responsible for any damage to works of art or building surfaces.
• A Museum employee will inspect the area for any damage and to ensure that it is cleaned before the artist leaves.