Policies: Sketching and Note-taking in Temporary Exhibitions and Permanent Collection Areas

The National Gallery of Victoria encourages artists and students to make full use of the collections and facilities of the Gallery in the best way possible.   Mindful of our history and our strong relationship to art training since our foundation, the Gallery encourages the continuing practice of sketching and notetaking.  

Sketching and notetaking are permitted in Temporary Exhibitions and Permanent collection areas of the National Gallery of Victoria.   This policy is subject to the discretion of individual or institutional lenders to temporary exhibitions provided the following conditions are met:

The use of pencils rather than pens is encouraged.
The use of spray fixatives and/or varnishes is prohibited.
Pencil sharpeners must have a component attached for pencil shavings.

No easels are permitted and the size of the sketchbook or paper must not be larger than an A3 sheet (42.0 x 29.7 cm).

Arrangements can be made for a fold-up stool to be provided by the NGV with advance notification of the visit to the Information Desk on 8662 2222.

However, under certain circumstances this may be limited to individuals and groups may not always be accommodated.

It is essential that the number of visitors in the space is not so great that sketching would cause undue risk to visitors or works of art by adding to congestion in the space

The person sketching must position him or herself in such a way as not to obscure works on display from other visitors, or to hinder others in their viewing and enjoyment of the gallery. It is important not to get in the way of school tours and other tour groups within the gallery.

It is important to note that some individual or institutional lenders may forbid sketching and note taking as part of the conditions of loan set out in loan agreements and/or exhibition contracts or are not allowed under the terms of a government indemnity or insurance policy. In these instances, the Exhibitions Manager will issue separate instructions to security staff. We ask that all visitors to understand that in these circumstances the NGV has no option but to abide by the conditions determined by lenders.

The making of copies of works at the National Gallery of Victoria using easels and oil paints presents practical difficulties, however written applications will be considered by the Director, subject to appropriate safeguards.