This August, at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, an American surgeon was measuring his finger against one on the hand of Giovanni d’Ambrogio’s 600-year-old statue of the Virgin Mary. As a result of this gesture, the finger—which was a plaster replacement of the original marble—broke. This is not the first time a priceless work of art has been damaged by a museum-goer, and it will not be the last, but it is never a bad idea to review the time-honored rules of museum etiquette. Here are eight ways to help keep travelers and tour-hungry locals on their toes.
1. Hands down, spirits high
Celebrate the fact that museums are timeless repositories of invaluable art objects and remember that more than 12 million visitors flock to Florence every year. Regardless of your country of origin, we’re all called upon to respect one universal rule: ‘Resist the urge to touch the art!’ This axiom includes laying a finger on frames, pedestals and glass cases. Contact is not only risky because of potential breakage; the oils from one’s skin can damage artwork by slowly corroding its surface. Even pointing, jabbing, pushing or running could result in a work being inadvertently hit. Take it slow and keep control.
2. Snack and sorry
In 2012, Rome officials began implementing the city’s controversial ban on eating near historic monuments. Since then, hundreds of hungry tourists have been obliged to pay hefty fines as a result of what an Italian daily paper called ‘The Sandwich War.’ Though Florence has yet to adopt city-wide food bans to protect its outdoor monuments, it’s best to eat before you visit the city’s museums, for no food or drinks are allowed inside its galleries, except in café areas where food is served. The risk is that carelessly discarded wrappers and crumbs attract insects that can harm the artwork. Chewing bubble gum, blowing bubbles or, worse still, popping them will be frowned upon by museum attendants.
3. Keep your smoke to yourself
In Italy, 25 percent of the population smokes. If you are in the ranks alongside the country’s 14 million native smokers, make sure not to light up in museums. A ban on smoking in public places has been in force in Italy since 2005. This means anywhere inside a museum, including outdoor grounds.
4. Capture the moment, not the copyright
In many of Florence’s museums, you’ll find that guards are beside themselves to get people to stop taking photographs. Oftentimes, it’s just a question of no flash photography. If you are allowed a shot, avoid mindless snapping! Pictures can only be taken for personal use; museum works are protected by copyright laws and reproducing photos of any piece is a violation of copyright. Tripods and video recordings are prohibited. Museums will sometimes suggest that visitors take pictures of the environment but not the works themselves. In the entrance to the Accademia Gallery, you’ll find a stunning example of this style of photography—a black-and-white photographic poster of awestruck art lovers staring up at the David. (However, don’t try to reproduce it: no photos are allowed here.)
5. No for noise
For many people, the atmosphere inside a museum can be likened to that of a library. Off-the-beaten-track museums and open monasteries may very well be the quietest places in Italy. Loud voices, laughing and even texting is considered rude in museums. Cell phones should be set on silent and pagers switched off. Allow yourself to see the city’s artistic venues with what William Wordsworth called ‘an eye made quiet by the power of harmony and the deep power of joy.’
6. Space in the place
In 1817, French author Stendhal experienced a now-famous bout of dizziness and nausea after viewing dramatic artworks in Florence’s galleries. Nearly 200 years later, there’s still room for a bit of vertigo for those appreciating all the city has to offer. Be courteous and observe other people’s space—even if Italians tend to stand closer to each other during conversation than their European or North American counterparts. It’s also best for museum-goers to keep a respectful distance from the artwork (12 to 18 inches!). Always remember to walk behind nearby viewers rather than in front of them.
7. Leave it or lump it
Beware of the ‘16 tons’ syndrome and avoid all temptation to lug everything but the kitchen sink into the museum. Backpacks, large purses, umbrellas, bulky coats and briefcases must be checked at the museum cloakroom. Checking your items can be a time-consuming procedure—especially irksome if the museum exit and entrance are separated by four city blocks. Avoid having to retrace your steps and pack light!
8. Let love be your guide
I love museums. I love looking at works of art, searching for symbols, clues or explanations that might define what an artist was thinking when creating a piece. Perhaps it is the writer in me. Every artwork has its own story that can transport you to a new place, real or imagined. I will never forget the first time, when I came to Florence as a student several decades ago, that I physically stood in front of a masterpiece our class had been studying. What an incredible experience, to see the actual artwork and be transported to another time! I want these works to be around for future generations, so others, too, can ‘learn the story’ and be moved by it. Most certainly, you do, too. The true basis of ‘museum etiquette’ stems from a respect for art and the deep-rooted desire to preserve and protect it with loving care.
