Wende Museum Patron Conduct Policy

The Wende Museum is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all visitors and staff. This policy aims to ensure that all patrons respect the museum’s mission and contribute to a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

General Conduct

All patrons are expected to:

Show courtesy and respect to visitors, staff, volunteers, and museum property.
Use museum furniture, equipment, materials, and spaces for their intended purpose.
Respect personal space and avoid physical contact with others.
Refrain from running, shouting, or other disruptive behavior.
Refrain from eating or drinking in the galleries.
Maintain a safe distance from all artworks and artifacts.
Refrain from touching, leaning on, or climbing on any displays.
Refrain from picnicking in the garden.
Follow all posted signage and instructions from staff.
Safeguard personal items and refrain from leaving them unattended. Unattended items are subject to removal without notice.
Refrain from soliciting, campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey taking, or selling unless authorized.
Refrain from bringing in parcels larger than 11 inches by 15 inches into the galleries without permission. All parcels are subject to search.

Children and Vulnerable Adults

The Wende Museum recognizes the importance of providing a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults. A “vulnerable adult” is defined here as a teen, adult, or senior individual who, due to a mental or physical impairment, is unable to protect themselves from abuse or exploitation by others, or comprehend or comply with this Patron Conduct Policy.

The responsibility for the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable adults visiting the museum rests solely with the parent, guardian, or caregiver, and not with museum staff.
Children under the age of eight (8) must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a responsible adult or caregiver who is at least 14 years old.
Children and vulnerable adults are not permitted to remain in the museum after closing. If a child or vulnerable adult is left alone at closing or during an emergency closure, museum staff will attempt to contact a parent, guardian, or caregiver. If contact is unsuccessful, or if the individual is not picked up within 10 minutes, law enforcement will be contacted.

The following actions are specifically prohibited:

Disciplining a child in a manner that causes injury or disrupts other patrons.
Leaving young children or vulnerable adults unsupervised or ignoring their disruptive behaviors.
Adults loitering in areas frequented by children without a legitimate purpose.

Photography and Videography

Photography and video recording with small, handheld devices are permitted for personal use in most permanent exhibit galleries, unless otherwise noted.
The use of tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, light kits, or any equipment deemed intrusive is prohibited, unless otherwise authorized.
The Wende Museum regularly records and photographs visitors for non-commercial educational and documentary purposes. By entering the property, visitors consent to the use of their appearance and likeness in any and all media without limitation or reservation.

Firearms and Weapons Prohibition

Possession of firearms or weapons of any kind is strictly prohibited within the museum premises, including but not limited to galleries, public spaces, and grounds.
This prohibition applies to all visitors, regardless of whether they possess a concealed carry permit or any other type of firearm license, except for on-duty law enforcement personnel authorized to carry firearms.
“Weapons” shall be defined broadly to include, but not be limited to, firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns, etc.), bladed weapons (knives, swords, etc. – except small pocket knives), tasers, stun guns, and any other objects or devices designed or intended to inflict harm.
Any visitor found to be in violation of this policy will be asked to remove the firearm or weapon from the premises immediately. Refusal to comply may result in removal from the museum and/or notification of law enforcement.
The museum reserves the right to inspect bags and other carried items.

Service Animals

Only service animals trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are permitted on museum property. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, or therapy animals are not recognized as service animals under the ADA and are not permitted in galleries, indoor spaces, or the garden. All service animals must remain under the control of their handler at all times. If a service animal is disruptive, aggressive, or not housebroken, the museum reserves the right to ask that it be removed from the premises.

Prohibited Behaviors

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate expulsion from the museum:

Behavior that is abusive, intimidating, or disrespectful, including obscene, racially charged, or abusive language or gestures.
Disruptive behavior such as loud conversations, personal phone calls without headphones, use of devices with loud sounds, arguing, running, or roughhousing.
Impeding access to the building or any area within the building.
Picture taking or videotaping of people, except at museum events, without the consent of those being photographed or their parents/guardians if minors are present.
Consuming drugs or smoking/vaping (including e-cigarettes) anywhere on museum property. Being under the influence of illegal substances.
Inappropriate use of water fountains or restrooms, including but not limited to, soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct, bathing, or washing clothes.
Using the museum as a place to sleep.
Disturbing or harassing other patrons, staff, or volunteers. This includes, but is not limited to, creating excessive noise, verbal or physical abuse.
Entering the museum without shoes or appropriate clothing, including upper body coverage.
The use of bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, hoverboards, scooters, or other recreational mobility devices is not permitted on museum grounds, including walkways, garden paths, and interior spaces. This policy does not apply to approved mobility aids.
Access to museum-provided internet and digital devices may not be used to view or distribute illegal, harmful, or offensive content, including pirated copyrighted content or material that is violent, pornographic, or discriminatory.

Serious Violations

The following actions are considered serious violations and will result in immediate expulsion and potential legal action:

Physical abuse, assault, fighting, or challenging others to fight.
Engaging in intimidating or harassing behaviors, including following or stalking, leering, or attempting to peer under clothing.
Making violent or threatening statements towards staff or other patrons.
Damaging, destroying, stealing, or vandalizing museum property.
Distributing, selling, or using illegal drugs.
Engaging in sexual contact or harassment.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency, all patrons are required to follow instructions provided by museum staff. This may include evacuation, shelter-in-place, or lockdown procedures. The Wende Museum prioritizes the safety and well-being of all patrons, staff, and volunteers, and reserves the right to take immediate action in accordance with emergency protocols.

Enforcement and Penalties

The museum reserves the right to determine what constitutes disruptive or inappropriate behavior. Patrons violating this policy will be asked to leave the museum immediately. Any person refusing to leave or returning during a ban will be considered trespassing and subject to legal action. Serious violations may result in suspension of museum privileges for up to one year or permanent exclusion, and may involve law enforcement.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

Immediate removal from the museum premises.
Suspension of museum privileges for a specified period.
Denial of access to specific services or programs.

Appeals and Notices

Whenever possible, patrons evicted or banned will receive a written notice specifying the violation, restrictions, duration of restrictions, and appeals process.

Museum Discretion

The museum reserves the right to modify this policy and to take any action necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of its staff, volunteers, and all patrons.