Visitor Guidelines

Welcome to DuMA in the Millwork District, the new temporary home for the Dubuque Museum of Art while we make room for the construction of our new campus set to open in late 2027 at Washington Park.

DuMA is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all that protects the works of art for generations to come. The following guidelines were created to support this environment, and DuMA requires that all visitors, staff, and volunteers comply with our policies within the museum as well as our entrance areas.

We’re here to help.

Our professional staff is trained to ensure the safety of both the artwork and our visitors, helping everyone have an enjoyable experience. Please listen to their instructions and don’t hesitate to ask for their guidance.

Refrain from touching the art.

This includes frames, platforms, labels, display cases, or any other item used to protect the art. This is because many works of art are fragile and sensitive to oils from fingertips. Touching works of art makes them dirty and will cause physical and chemical changes over time. Touching can also cause damage, such as breakage and scratching.

Remain at a safe distance from the art.

Therefore, please maintain a safe distance from all artwork. Two feet is recommended. Occasionally, lines on the floor or wires indicate the distance from which artwork can be safely viewed.

DuMA is accessible to individuals with mobility needs.

Entrances, galleries, and restrooms are accessible to visitors using strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids. Wheelchairs and walkers are also available at the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance so we can assist you. Wagons, unfortunately, are not permitted.

Help us create a safe and welcoming museum.

For the safety of our visitors, staff, and collections, weapons and firearms of any kind are not permitted on the Dubuque Museum of Art premises. This includes concealed or open carry. When entering the museum, all visitors consent to comply with this policy. Any person who refuses to comply or fails to exit when asked may be subject to trespass.

Dubuque Museum of Art staff and visitors have the right to an environment free from abuse, threatening, or inappropriate behavior. The Museum reserves the right to remove any person acting unacceptably or inappropriately.

DuMA is a wonderful place for children to explore, but it is required that children under 12 be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Service animals are welcome. Pets are not permitted in the Museum.

Cigarettes and e-cigarettes are not permitted.

What else can be carried into the galleries?

Please note that there are no checkrooms currently available at DuMA in the Millwork District. Bags and backpacks larger than 13 x 17 x 4 inches are not allowed in the galleries and must be checked. Smaller backpacks should be carried on the front of the body or in your hand. For the safety and comfort of all guests, laser pointers, umbrellas, and sharp pointed objects like selfie sticks are not permitted in the galleries. Food and beverages are not allowed inside the galleries. However, the surrounding area has a wealth of cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Please show courtesy to other guests and silence your electronic devices.

Photography is encouraged.

We encourage you to take and share pictures and video of the collection and special exhibitions for personal, non-distributional, non-commercial use. Only the use of point-and-shoot cameras, phones, and handheld equipment is permitted, provided that it does not disrupt Museum operations or compromise guest accessibility. The use of flash, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, additional lighting, or large, multicomponent and non-handheld equipment is not permitted. Signs indicate the few works that are not allowed to be photographed due to a lender's requirement.

Please be advised that artists retain copyright of their artworks and any images of the works, in full or in part, may only be used for private, non-commercial use. Artists should be credited when an image of their work is used publicly. Commercial use without permission is strictly forbidden. The responsibility for ascertaining the copyright status of a work, whether any such rights exist, and for obtaining all other necessary permissions remains solely with the user, and the Museum will have no responsibility in connection with securing such necessary rights as they pertain to the visitor’s onsite media-capture activities.

Please note that visitors to the Dubuque Museum of Art may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded. By attending, you grant the Museum permission to use photographs and/or audiovisual recordings in which you appear for archival, documentary, publicity, advertising, or other purposes.

For inquiries regarding photo and video shoots and associated pricing, please contact info@dbqart.org.