Visit

Visitor Guidelines

Bags, Lockers & Coat Check

Self-serve coat check and lockers are available. Note that backpacks, parcels, and bags larger than 14.5” x 17” x 8” must be checked.
Smaller bags, including backpacks, are permitted in the galleries. To avoid accidentally bumping into art, backpacks may not be worn on your back; they must be carried by hand (below the waist) or worn on the front of your body. Umbrellas are not permitted in the galleries, but umbrella stands sit outside the gallery doors should you have one with you.

Baby Carriers, Strollers & Wheelchairs

Strollers and soft-sided carriers worn on the front are permitted in the galleries. Soft-sided carriers worn on the back or metal-framed baby carriers are not permitted. 

We recommend that you bring your own stroller, walker, or wheelchair if needed, but complimentary strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They are cleaned after each use. Please visit the Welcome Desk to check out a stroller or wheelchair. If you need assistance while using a wheelchair, please bring a caregiver to help you.

Art

Special care is taken at all times to preserve the art on view. For this reason we ask that you refrain from touching or getting too close to the artwork, display cases, and platforms.

Photography and Videography

Still photography is allowed in all public spaces, and in the galleries except where otherwise noted, on the condition that the photographs are for personal, noncommercial use. Flashes, lights, tripods, monopods, video cameras, and selfie sticks are prohibited throughout the museum. 

The CMA is a public organization focused on serving our visitors. While we are happy to be the backdrop for life’s celebrations, we need to be sure that photography does not interfere with the visitor’s art experience. Commercial photography and filming intended for commercial use is prohibited unless prior written approval by the CMA is granted. Walk-in shoots cannot be accommodated. 

Bridal photography, wedding party photography, engagement photography, graduation photography, business photography, and the like are governed by the commercial photo shoot policy outlined above. These shoots are prohibited unless prior written approval by the CMA is granted, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Interested parties should contact our special events team.

Media photographers and videographers should contact our communications team.

Photography on Boyd Plaza is free and open to all.

Please note: Photography and videography may be taken by the CMA for archival, educational,  promotional, and commercial purposes. By visiting the CMA and its events, all persons have consented, released the CMA of liability, and waived all rights to royalties.

Mobile Devices

We ask that you refrain from talking on the phone while in the galleries and place your phone on silent. 

We encourage you to use either your own mobile device or one of the available iPads at the Welcome Desk to take advantage of free multimedia tours and online brochures. If you have any questions about photography or these tours, ask at the Welcome Desk.

Restroom Policy

Multi-stall restrooms are located on each floor. Single-stall restrooms, including a family restroom, are located off of the Main Street Lobby.

The CMA welcomes gender diversity. All visitors are welcome to use the restroom that best fits their identity. We ask that no one be stared at, questioned, or asked to leave. Thank you for making the museum safe, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.

Sketching in the Galleries

Sketching, in pencil only, is permitted in all the second floor collection galleries of the Columbia Museum of Art for non-commercial purposes, provided that the following rules are followed. Sketching is also permitted in most special exhibitions; please inquire at the Welcome Desk about current exhibitions and guidelines.

• Paper or sketchbooks should not exceed 14 x 17 inches. Easels are not permitted.
• Never point at a work using your pencil or any other object. Please do not touch the works for any reason.
• A reasonable distance must be maintained from the work to allow a clear view for others who may wish to observe the work.
• During times of high volume visitation, sketching may be restricted. Sketching is permitted only in locations that do not obstruct an entrance or exit, do not compromise the safety or security of the art on view and/or other CMA visitors, and do not obstruct the view of the art.

Food and Drink

Food, drink, and chewing gum are allowed in the museum's public areas, but are not permitted in any enclosed galleries.

Lost and Found

For lost items, stop by the Welcome Desk or call 803-799-2810.

Code of Conduct

The Columbia Museum of Art is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming visitor experience for everyone. 

See the full code of conduct here.

Policy on Service and Emotional Support Animals

Service Animals
The CMA complies with all ADA requirements and accepts service animals in the museum as defined by the ADA in 2010.

Types of Service Dogs may include, but are not limited to:

• Guide Dog
• Mobility Aid Dog
• Seizure Alert Dog
• PTSD Dog
• Hearing Alert Dog
• Diabetes Alert Dog
• Migraine Alert Dog
• Narcolepsy Alert Dog
• Seizure Response Dog
• Psychiatric Service Dog

Emotional Support Animals
The CMA does not allow Emotional Support Animals (ESA) on site. Emotional Support Animals or Comfort Animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan or as therapy animals, but are not considered service animals under the ADA.

Types of Emotional Support Animals may include, but are not limited to:

• Companionship animals
• Animals to relieve loneliness
• Animals to help with depression
• Animals to help with anxiety
• Animals to help with certain phobias 

Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA