The museum only allows no-flash photography. The following applies to photography on the Hermitage Grounds. Fees and policies are subject to change without notice.
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens is located on private property. While we try to extend every consideration to individuals and groups wishing to photograph at the Hermitage, these activities must not interfere with normal operations or compromise the safety of the building, the Museum’s collections, or the grounds.
All photographers (anyone capturing or recording an image by mechanical or digital means [film or video] for commercial, professional, artistic, or recreational use) are required to check in at the Reception Desk upon entering the grounds and before capturing any images. Commercial, Professional, Portrait, and Artistic photographers are required to make an appointment with the Weddings & Events Manager prior to the session date. Photographic activity is not permitted inside the Museum. Photography may not begin until any associated fee is paid in full.
The Hermitage reserves all rights for photographic reproduction of Museum Property.
The following rules apply to all photography at the Hermitage:
- Flow of visitors along driveway and pathways must not be blocked at any time.
- Guests, photographers, and their equipment must stay on pathways – walking in plant beds or behind plant beds or placing equipment in beds is prohibited.
- Plants and planted containers may not be moved, rearranged, or handled in any way. Blooms may not be picked.
- Visitors may not climb or hang from trees or architectural features.
- Climbing, sitting, standing, or walking on walls, fences, structures, or water features is strictly forbidden.
- Original artwork and sculpture on exhibit at the Hermitage is protected by artist’s copyright and may not be photographed for the purposes of reproduction or copying in any way. Images for research and/or non-profit use are available for a nominal charge.
Refusal to follow Hermitage Policies
If any individual does not comply with the above conditions, the Hermitage reserves the right to deny permission to photograph and may request that the individual leave the premises.
Commercial Photography
Commercial photography is defined as any photography produced for publication or promotional use. As stated in the Hermitage’s Collections Management Policy: “The Hermitage specifically reserves all rights for photographic reproduction of Museum Property. No commercial use of such photographs is permitted without written approval by the Executive Director. In general, non-educational and commercial reproductions of Museum Property will not be approved. The Hermitage reserves the right to license vendors, collect royalties, initiate fees or otherwise control use of Museum Property as deemed by the Hermitage to be appropriate and lawful…Requests by individuals will be handled on a case by case basis.” Commercial photography requires written permission of the Executive Director and is by appointment only. The Hermitage reserves the right to approve final content for anything in which the Hermitage or its properties will appear, either by name or by visual representation. Upon approval of request, fee and scheduling will be determined. Please contact the Marketing Manager for more information at jtrotter@lowiv.com.
Recreational Photography
Recreational photography may be conducted in designated areas without an appointment and free of charge. Portraits of any kind are not considered recreational photography. All photographers are required to check in at the Reception Desk upon entering the grounds and before capturing any images. A courtesy call is requested if groups or classes plan to visit.
Professional Photography
Professional photography is defined as any photography for which income is derived. Professional photography may be conducted in designated areas by appointment only. During museum hours, the fee for professional photography is $50/hour and $100/hour for videography and must be submitted prior to the photo session. The fee for after hours photography is $150-300/hour. Guests and photographers are required to check in at the Reception Desk to receive a museum photo pass. The Hermitage considers portraiture of any kind to be professional photography, even if income is not derived.
Artistic Photography
Artistic photography is defined as photography conducted by an amateur or professional for use as an art form. Artistic photography for public display, reproduction, or sale may be conducted only with the written approval of the Executive Director, as stated in the Hermitage’s Collections Management Policy. Artistic photography for personal use may be conducted in designated areas with an appointment and fee of $50/hour and $300/hour after business hours. Use of props and/or excessive equipment requires written permission of the Executive Director and is by appointment only. Guests and photographers are required to check in at the Reception Desk to receive a museum photo pass.
Contacts
To schedule a photography session or to request additional information regarding photography policies and fees, contact the Weddings & Events Manager at hlindsay@lowiv.com or 757-901-4091.
To request information regarding commercial photography and film for publication or promotional use, contact the Marketing Manager at jtrotter@lowiv.com.
