Public Photography Policy

The National Gallery of Ireland holds one of Europe’s finest public art collections in trust for the people of Ireland. The purpose of our Public Photography Policy is to help us care for and protect the national collection, while ensuring a safe and respectful experience for our visitors and staff.

What type of photography is permitted?

• Casual, still photography and video for personal, non-commercial use.
• Photography of architectural features of the interior and exterior of the building.
• Photography of collection works / objects that are out of copyright.

What type of photography is not permitted?

• Photography that requires the use of flash, tripods, monopods or supplementary lighting is not permitted in exhibition areas.
• Photography and filming that involves selfie sticks is not permitted in exhibition areas.
• The use of Gallery spaces for staged photos (e.g. engagement or wedding photos, large groups, etc.) is prohibited, unless the Gallery’s Executive Leadership Team has granted prior permission.
• The photography or filming of collection works/objects in storage is not permitted unless the Gallery’s Executive Leadership Team has granted prior permission.
• The photography or filming of Gallery staff or contractors is not permitted unless the Gallery’s Executive Leadership Team has granted prior permission.
• Visitors who are seriously undermining the enjoyment of others through use of cameras or any form of mobile device will be asked to cease photography by the Gallery’s security staff.
• Photography of collection works / objects that are in copyright or on long-term loan is not permitted where this symbol is clearly marked on display labels:

Who requires permission for photography or filming?

• Commercial photographers and filmmakers – commercial photographers, advertising agencies, documentary and film production companies who wish to photograph or film on the premises must contact the Gallery’s Events Department by email - [email protected]
• Wedding and Engagement photographers and filmmakers – If you have booked a wedding or other event in one of our venue hire spaces, photography and filming may take place within that space on the day of your event (with prior permission.) Please contact the Events Department for further details - [email protected]. Please note that due to the volume of requests received, and in order to ensure minimum disruption to members of the public, the Gallery unfortunately does not facilitate requests for wedding / engagement photography or similar on its premises.
• Media - members of the media who wish to photograph/film on the premises must contact the Gallery’s Communications Department: [email protected]
• Students - Students wishing to film on the premises must contact the Gallery’s Education Department: [email protected]

What should visitors do when professional photography and filming is taking place?

• In some circumstances, and when permission has been granted, professional photography and filming may take place in public areas of the Gallery. Should a visitor wish to be excluded from this photography and filming, please avoid any areas where special signage is displayed and/or camera crews/photographers are visible.

Does the Gallery use or report visitor photos uploaded to third-party websites?

• Should members of the public upload photographs or videos taken in the Gallery to third-party websites, the Gallery is free to use these images on its own websites and social media channels should it desire to do so, and provided the material doesn’t infringe artists’ copyright.
• The Gallery also reserves the right to report photographs or videos taken in the Gallery that do not comply with our Public Photography Policy and have been published on a third-party website(s).

How can visitors source official images or reproductions of collection works/ objects?

• High-quality reproductions of collection works/objects from the collection in the form of postcards, cards and prints are on sale in the Gallery Shop in the Millennium Wing or online at this link. 
• It is possible to download for free (see Creative Commons ‘CC’ attribution) or purchase high-quality digital images of the Gallery’s collection on our image ordering system here. 
• Customised prints can be ordered by contacting [email protected] 
• Enquiries and requests relating to the reproduction of collection work and/or those in copyright should be made to the Gallery’s Publications & Images Department: [email protected]