MoMA Bag Policy: Rules for Bags, Lockers, and Bag Check

The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA, is one of the world’s most famous museums for modern and contemporary art. It sits in Midtown Manhattan and draws visitors from all over the world. A visit here shows how art changed from the late 1800s to today. You will see key works and big names in art history. But to enjoy the visit, it’s helpful to know the museum’s rules. These rules cover admission, items you can bring, and how to behave inside. They also explain where to store larger items using MoMA storage points and the checkroom. Knowing these basics makes your visit smoother and more relaxed.

Inside MoMA, the galleries show a wide range of art. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, design pieces, photographs, films, and more. You will find works like Vincent van Gogh’s swirling night sky in The Starry Night and Pablo Picasso’s bold Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans sit near Salvador Dalí’s surreal scenes and Claude Monet’s calm Water Lilies. The museum also has departments for Architecture and Design, Film and Media, Photography, and Prints and Illustrated Books. Each floor has different highlights, from design objects to important films and historic photos.

The museum is busy, especially on weekends and during special shows. So plan ahead. A little planning helps you avoid waits and focus on what you want to see. Keep your personal items small or use the checkroom. Read the signs when you enter. The staff is helpful and can answer questions about where to go and what to expect. You will get more from the visit if you move slowly and give yourself time to look.

MoMA Bag Policy

MoMA has a bag policy to protect the art and make the galleries comfortable for everyone. All visitors go through a security check when they enter. Security staff inspect bags, briefcases, and purses. These rules are not meant to bother you. They help keep fragile art safe from bumps, spills, or other accidents. They also help the museum stay calm and easy to move through.

Knowing the rules before you go will speed up your entrance. If your bag follows the rules, you can start enjoying the galleries quickly. If not, you will be asked to check it, which takes time. So it is smart to plan what you bring and how you carry it.

Types of Bags Allowed

MoMA allows small bags and purses in the galleries. The permitted size is smaller than 11 × 17 × 5 inches (28 × 43 × 13 cm). Think of a small handbag, a compact tote, or a very small daypack. These items can be carried at your side or in front of you. Security staff might ask you to move the bag in front of you rather than on your back. Even if your bag fits the size limit, it will still be inspected at the security checkpoint.

Carrying a small bag can still feel heavy after walking through many rooms. If you plan to be in the museum for hours, bring only the essentials: phone, wallet, keys, and maybe a small travel-size item. Or consider using the checkroom to store extra items and move freely through the galleries. A light load makes the visit easier.

Types of Bags Not Allowed

Some bags are not allowed in the galleries and must be checked. This rule includes all backpacks, no matter how small. Even fashion-style backpacks or compact hiking packs must go to the checkroom. Also, any bag larger than 11 × 17 × 5 inches needs to be checked. This covers luggage, carry-on suitcases, large tote bags, and duffels.

Other bulky items like large umbrellas, scooters, skateboards, and musical instruments are also not permitted in the exhibition spaces. Note one key point: the checkroom will not accept luggage or big travel bags. If you arrive from the airport or leave your hotel the same day, the museum checkroom is not a place to store full suitcases. Plan ahead and find other options for large luggage.

MoMA Lockers

Many visitors look for lockers at the museum. MoMA does not have coin-operated or self-service lockers for public use. Instead, the museum offers a free, attended checkroom. This service is in the main lobby and is available to ticket holders. You hand items to an attendant, and they give you a claim ticket. Show that ticket when you come back to pick up your items.

You can check coats, small umbrellas, and bags that are not allowed in galleries. But the checkroom has limits. It will not accept valuables like laptops, cameras, tablets, or other electronics. It also will not store luggage, large travel bags, perishable food, or important documents like passports. If you have a laptop or are carrying all your luggage from a recent hotel checkout, you will need another storage plan. The checkroom is supervised by staff, so items left there are kept under watch. But because space is limited, on busy days it may fill up.

The checkroom being free is convenient. But because it can fill up, try to arrive early if you need to check things. If possible, travel light. Many visitors find nearby left-luggage services helpful when they have larger items. It makes the museum visit far more comfortable.

MoMA Transportation

MoMA is at 11 West 53rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Manhattan. The museum is easy to reach using New York transit. The subway is often the fastest option. The closest stop is 5th Avenue/53rd Street, served by the E and M lines. From there, it is just a short two-minute walk to the entrance. Another close stop is 47-50th Streets–Rockefeller Center, served by the B, D, F, and M lines. From that station, it’s about a five- to seven-minute walk.

The subway helps you avoid street traffic and can be cheaper than driving. Buses are another option. Several MTA bus routes stop near the museum. Downtown buses like the M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5 stop along Fifth Avenue. Uptown, these buses run on Madison Avenue, also close to the museum. The Q32 stops on Fifth Avenue near the museum, and the M50 crosstown bus runs along 49th and 50th Streets. Use the MTA app or website for real-time schedules and route maps.

Driving in Midtown is usually slow and parking is expensive. If you come by car or rideshare, the address is 11 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019. Drop-offs can be right in front of the entrance. MoMA has no on-site parking, but there are many commercial garages nearby. Some garages offer discounts for museum visitors or members. It is a good idea to check MoMA’s official pages for parking info and to look into reserving a spot in advance. Parking fees can be high, so expect to pay a premium for central Manhattan.

MoMA Camera Policy

MoMA lets visitors take photos for personal use in the permanent collection galleries. You can take still photos of many works, including famous pieces, as long as you follow the rules. One rule is absolute: flash photography is not allowed. Bright flashes damage pigments, paper, and old materials over time. So turn off any camera or phone flash before taking pictures.

Some special exhibitions may not allow photography at all. Look for signs at the gallery entrances and follow staff instructions. Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and other camera extensions are not permitted anywhere in the museum. These items can block walkways or get too close to artworks. While still photos in the permanent collections are usually fine, video recording and commercial photography are typically not allowed without permission. Following these rules protects the art and keeps the experience pleasant for everyone.

MoMA Food Policy

MoMA does not allow outside food or drinks in the galleries. This rule prevents accidental spills that could harm art, floors, or walls. Food fragments can attract pests that might damage the collection. If you bring a water bottle, it must be empty when you enter the galleries. Otherwise, you will need to empty it or check it at the checkroom before going in.

You do not have to go hungry. MoMA has places to eat inside the building. For a casual meal, Cafe 2 serves family-friendly, Italian-style dishes. The Terrace Cafe offers snacks, coffee, and pastries with views of the Sculpture Garden. For a more upscale meal, The Modern offers a two-Michelin-star experience with garden views and a refined menu. These dining options let you take a real break without leaving the museum.

Plan your food breaks. If you want to eat between gallery visits, check hours for the cafes and The Modern. Some places may have limited hours or need reservations. Stopping for a short meal or coffee can refresh you and make the rest of your visit more enjoyable.

Other MoMA Rules & Information

Sketching is allowed in the galleries but only with pencil. Pens, markers, charcoal, pastels, and paints are not allowed. These could accidentally mark surfaces or artworks. Use sketchbooks no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches. Bigger sketchbooks or easels are not permitted. When you sketch, stay out of paths and avoid blocking others’ views. Sketching can deepen your experience, but do it with care.

MoMA is committed to accessibility. Elevators reach all floors and there are accessible restrooms throughout the building. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow for free from the checkroom on a first-come, first-served basis. Families with young children are welcome; strollers are permitted in the galleries. If you or someone in your group needs extra assistance, staff at the information desk can help plan an easy route through the museum.

The main rule in the galleries is simple: do not touch the art. Oils and dirt from hands can harm paintings and sculptures. Keep the recommended distance from each piece—often shown by a line on the floor or by the placement of the work. Use quiet, conversational tones in the galleries to keep a calm atmosphere. Running and rough play are not allowed. These simple acts of respect help preserve the collection for everyone.

MoMA also expects visitors to follow staff directions. If a gallery seems crowded, you may be asked to wait before entering. If a work is roped off, do not cross the rope. Security and gallery staff are there to protect the art and help you have the best possible visit.

Tips for Visitors

The most important tip is to check the official museum website before you go. The museum’s site has the latest information. It shows current opening hours, special events, and any temporary rule changes. Buying tickets online ahead of time is a good idea. It often lets you skip long ticket lines and move into the galleries quicker. Also check the site for details on special exhibitions you want to see.

Travel light. If you carry only a very small clutch, wallet, or clear pouch, you can avoid the bag check and move faster through the museum. Bring only essentials: phone, card, ID, and any small items you need for the day. A lighter load makes it easier to walk between floors and enjoy the art without fatigue.

If you come with large bags, backpacks, or luggage that MoMA won’t accept, don’t worry. Use Qeepl luggage storage near MoMA to safely and securely store your belongings. You can quickly book a spot online at a vetted local shop or hotel, drop your items off in minutes, and proceed to the museum completely unburdened and worry-free. This convenient service is an ideal way to bridge the gap between your hotel check-out and your flight, or simply to lighten your load for a day of sightseeing. You can store your belongings for fees starting from US$7.39 per day per bag. It’s a practical and affordable way to guarantee that your visit to one of the world’s greatest art museums is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Go early if you can. Arriving near opening time usually means fewer crowds. Morning visits let you see popular works without as many people around. If mornings don’t work for you, late afternoons can be less busy after peak midday hours. If you can visit on a weekday, that is often calmer than weekends.

Take breaks. Walking through a large museum can be tiring. Pause in a cafe or on a bench in the Sculpture Garden. A short rest helps you look more closely at fewer works, and you will remember more. When you return to the galleries, pick a themed route—such as modern painting, photography, or design. This approach helps you focus and avoids getting overwhelmed.

Ask questions. Museum staff and docents know a lot about the collection. They can point out highlights, explain gallery layouts, and tell you about special displays. Guided tours or audio guides are often available and offer useful background on important works. Use these resources if you want a deeper understanding.

Be mindful with photography. Turn off flash and avoid using tripods or selfie sticks. If you want to study a work, consider taking notes instead of many photos. Sometimes a quick sketch or a short written note helps you remember what mattered most to you. And if a special exhibition forbids photos, please respect that rule.

Plan your time. Decide in advance what you most want to see. If you have limited time, focus on the permanent collection highlights or the current special exhibitions. If you have a full day, move more slowly and enjoy more galleries. Check exhibit maps at the information desk to plan an efficient route.

Finally, be curious. MoMA houses a wide variety of works, and some may surprise you. Pause in front of things you do not immediately understand. Read the labels. Ask a staff member for context. Art is often more rewarding when you give it a bit of time. Enjoy the experience.

FAQ

Can you take a bag into MoMA?

Yes, you can bring a small bag into MoMA’s galleries if it is smaller than 11 × 17 × 5 inches (28 × 43 × 13 cm). However, all backpacks, regardless of size, are prohibited in the galleries and must be left at the free checkroom. All bags are subject to a security inspection upon entry.

Do they check bags at museums?

Yes, MoMA checks all bags upon entry. The text states, “All visitors go through a security check when they enter. Security staff inspect bags, briefcases, and purses.” This is a standard procedure in most major museums to ensure the safety of the art collection and all visitors.

Can I take a backpack into museums?

Generally, you cannot take a backpack into museum galleries. Most major art museums, including MoMA, require all backpacks, regardless of their size, to be stored in the checkroom. This rule is in place to prevent accidental damage to artworks. Always check the specific museum’s policy online.

Why do museums not allow backpacks?

Museums prohibit backpacks primarily to protect the artwork. A person wearing a backpack can easily turn and accidentally bump into a fragile painting, sculpture, or display case. Restricting them also reduces congestion in galleries, making the experience safer and more pleasant for everyone.