Photography in museums: visitors’ attitudes, behaviors & motivations
Date Issued
July 2015
Author(s)
Abstract
This presentation presents the results of a research project conducted at the Smithsonian Institute in 2014 that
examined visitor’s motivations for using (and not using) photography. The research results argue that the
majority of visitors use photography as a tool that can enhance certain aspects of their museum experience,
promote further education, extend and expand the museum experience beyond the museums’ walls, and provide
entry points to exhibitions. Even though a small number of visitors reported that photography interferes with their
aesthetic experience, most feel that the future benefits of photography compensate for this interference.
examined visitor’s motivations for using (and not using) photography. The research results argue that the
majority of visitors use photography as a tool that can enhance certain aspects of their museum experience,
promote further education, extend and expand the museum experience beyond the museums’ walls, and provide
entry points to exhibitions. Even though a small number of visitors reported that photography interferes with their
aesthetic experience, most feel that the future benefits of photography compensate for this interference.