Walker Art Center - Visitor Guidelines
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General Visitor Policies

  • Please do not touch the art. Works of art are fragile and easily damaged.
  • Pencils and sketchbooks are OK but not pens and other art supplies.
  • Coats, backpacks, and umbrellas must be stored. These items can be placed in the lockers or in the coatroom when you enter the Walker.
  • Photography is permitted in the galleries, but please turn off all flash.
  • Please follow basic rules of good behavior.
  • No food or beverages are allowed in the galleries.
  • Pets or smoking are not permitted.
  • To help us promote the Walker and future events and programs, visitors may be photographed or recorded. By attending, you consent to appear in this documentation and its future use by the museum. Please let staff know upon arrival if you prefer not to be photographed.

FREE AND DISCOUNTED GALLERY ADMISSION

  • Gallery admission is free every Thursday night from 5–9 pm and on the first Saturday of the month.
  • All children and teens under age 18 receive free gallery admission.
  • Members and citizens of Tribal Nations receive free gallery admission.
  • As part of the Blue Star Museum program, active duty military and their families receive free gallery admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
  • The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Bentson Mediatheque are always free.
  • Walker members enjoy unlimited free admission. Not yet a member? Join today.

Free tickets for individuals and groups are available online, in person at the Main Lobby desk, or by contacting 612-375-7600 or orders@walkerart.org.

Affiliate Admissions

Complimentary admission tickets may also be obtained by presenting one of the following and are available in-person at the Box Office:

  • A reciprocal membership card from a participating institution or program. Valid for up to 2 people. The Walker is a part of these reciprocal programs – MARP, ROAM, Mod/Co, AAM, and North American Reciprocal program. More details can be found here.
  • A valid staff ID from another museum (valid for up to 2 people)
  • MCAD Student (valid for cardholder only)

FAMILY AMENITIES

  • Families are welcome at the Walker! Our family amenities page has more information on nursing policies, changing stations, and more.

HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES

  • Masks are optional, but encouraged for visitors.
  • Please note that some programs may have specific COVID-19 policy requirements. In those instances, the additional requirements will be listed on the program webpage and in the pre-event email. Please read both carefully before your event.
  • Masks are required for Sensory Friendly Sunday visitors over the age of 2 to support the safety and comfort of attendees.
  • An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. If you are in need of accommodations or have additional questions, please contact us at info@walkerart.org or 612-375-7600.

Tour Group Guidelines

  • All tour groups must check in at a reception desk.  All tours start promptly at the scheduled time. In case of delay, please call 612.375.7609 (on weekends call 612.375.7600).
  • One adult must accompany every 15 students. This applies to both Guided and Self-Guided Visits.
  • Chaperones are requested to keep students together and under supervision at all times.
  • Chaperones should make sure students are quiet and respectful, with no running or shouting.
  • There is no place for groups to eat bag lunches inside the Walker.
  • More information about tours and how to book them can be found here.

Photography Guidelines

Personal photography is permitted throughout the Walker outdoor campus and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

    Still photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted in the galleries and public spaces like lounges and the lobbies. Restrictions may apply to specific pieces or exhibitions. If you are uncertain if photography is permitted, please ask a Visitor Experience Associate or Gallery Assistant before taking any photos. Please observe the following rules:

  • • Flash photography is prohibited in all galleries.
  • • Stabilization devices such as tripods and monopods are prohibited. Camera bags and other equipment may be restricted at the Walker’s discretion.
  • • Photography must not be disruptive to other visitors or block walkways.
  • • All photography must take place during the Walker’s normal business hours. The Walker reserves the right to restrict photography at any time.


    • Please consider the following locations where photography is least disruptive to Walker guests: Fitterman Garden Gallery, Galligan Porch, Theater Tower Stairwell.

Formal portraits and commissioned photography require a photography permit from the Walker. Please observe the following rules:


  • • $50 Photography Permit fee. These permits are good for 1 hour and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. No advanced reservations. Photography permits can be picked up at the Main Lobby desk.
  • • Permits will be issued during the Walker’s regular business hours on weekdays only. No photography permits will be issued on Saturdays or Sundays. The last pass will be issued 1 hour before the end of Walker business hours.
  • • Only two photography permits will be issued at a time.
  • • Permits allow for the limited use of public spaces only.
  • • Stabilization devices, lighting equipment, wardrobe changes, props, and make-up stations are prohibited.
  • • Photography must not be disruptive to other visitors or block walkways.
  • • Groups may include up to 5 people. Groups larger than 5 people must request permission through the Walker’s Facility Rental department one month in advance. Additional fees may apply. The Walker’s Facility Rental department cn be reached at facility.rentals@walkerart.org or 612.253.3408


The Walker reserves the right to prohibit photography in any area at any time. Failure to adhere to guidelines or staff direction may result in being asked to cease activities and leave the premises.

Content and Sensory Notes

Notices are posted with some exhibitions, as well as online. Works in other galleries may also have challenging subject matter that is not marked with signage.
Please ask a staff member for full details or guidance, or call the box office at 612-375-7600.