Personal photography and filming
Visitors are welcome to take photos and film within the Museum using hand-held cameras, for personal use only. Personal use means non-commercial, private use by an individual (including non-commercial social media accounts).
The use of tripods, selfie sticks, external stabilising devices (such as gimbles), or other camera attachments, as well as flash or additional lighting, is not allowed without explicit permission. These types of equipment can only be used under supervision, which may incur a fee. Permission to use special equipment must be requested and granted in advance via our filming and photography request form.
Images taken within Auckland Museum are prohibited form being reproduced or displayed for marketing or promotional purposes, sold commercially, or displayed publicly in any way that disrespects the taonga or exhibitions featured or causes offence to individuals or groups.
Restricted photography and filming areas
‘No photography’ signage indicates items, exhibitions, or events where filming or photography is prohibited.
Photography or filming of Hotunui (the meeting house in the Māori Court), portraits of Māori tīpuna (located in the Māori Court), and the Holocaust Gallery is strictly prohibited.
Our Māori Cultural Experience is tapu (sacred). To respect and preserve the customs and traditions of this experience, we ask that guests do not use flash photography and do not video the experience. Photos are permitted during the performance, except during the Karakia (opening prayer) and Haka. Photography during the Māori Cultural Experience is for personal use only.
Media filming and photography
All media must contact the Museum’s publicity team to request permission for filming or photography.
The Museum regularly hosts news and documentary crews. Each request is subject to Museum approval and is considered on its own merits. Fees may be waived if the media is of promotional value to the Museum. Otherwise, a fee may apply.
To discuss media requests, contact [email protected].
Commercial filming and photography
The Museum welcomes commercial photography and filming enquiries. Commercial filming and photography rules apply to any requests for professional, promotional or profit-driven purposes.
Please provide at least ten working days’ notice, including details of what and where you intend to photograph or film and the context in which the images or video will be used. All requests must be submitted through our filming and photography request form and are subject to Museum approval.
Charges will depend on the scale of the shoot and the areas requested. Commercial filming and photography is only permitted outside of Museum operational hours. Please note that due to other bookings or events at the Museum, filming and photography is not always possible.
Graduations
Due to the high volume of requests and its impact on other visitors, the Museum does not allow graduation photography with professional photographers or equipment inside the Museum. Casual graduation photography, using handheld cameras with no flash, tripod or other camera attachments, is permitted as long as it does not disrupt other visitors. External graduation photography is permitted.
University or school projects
Individual students or groups of up to four students may film or photograph within the Museum for projects or assignments under the general conditions of filming and photography. Museum images or footage for projects must not be shared publicly without explicit permission from the Museum.
Due to high demand, we cannot accommodate large student groups or projects requiring special equipment. If student filming or photography is disruptive, disrespectful to taonga or exhibitions, or interfering with the enjoyment of other Museum visitors, students will be asked to stop photographing and/or filming.
Weddings
Wedding photography is not permitted inside the Museum unless the ceremony or reception has taken place at the Museum. External wedding photography is allowed, however, please note that priority will be given to those holding their wedding with Auckland Museum. For more information about weddings at Auckland Museum, visit Weddings at Auckland Museum.
Images of specific objects in the Museum
Permission needs to be gathered for any non-private use of images or film of objects or display cases. Permission may requested through [email protected].