Security Guards at the National Gallery of Art

[Anonymous]

well now that this thread has been revived, I feel compelled to weigh in.

I worked there for many years. I agree that some of the guards can be/were overzealous. The period in which the original post was written followed up on a time when art works were being vandalized by a mentally ill person. There was another active security threat at the time that was not publicized. At that same time, another work in the National Gallery in london was hit with spray paint. The guards were acutely vigilant and, at times, probably overreacted. I know that after a few over reactions, there was a lot of discussion about how to properly train the guards to deal with varying scenarios.

I also want to say that some of the guards are wonderful. Some are de facto docents, and love telling people about the art on view. Some have been working there for years and years.

That being said: while YOUR toddler may not have been touching the art, I can guarantee you that every single week, something got touched/scratched/spit on/kicked/bled on/etc. People backed into art work ALL THE TIME. tripped over it, swung their strollers in it, bashed purses, etc. (side note: someone smashed one of the works in the Kusama exhibit at the Hirshhorn the first week, taking a selfie). Kids were sometimes at issue, but more often adults.

The hardest hit was the outdoor sculpture, which people treated like swingsets,but indoors as well. A long running american furniture exhibit witnessed people sitting in the chairs, opening drawers, etc. At least one chair was broken.

Because kids are curious and unpredictable, the guards are sometimes on high alert. I have young kids and I was always hyper vigilant with them at museums--keeping a death grip on them in areas where they could get in trouble, but also using the opportunity to show them why we can and can't touch art. I appreciate museums that do have hands on sections for children, and the NGA does not, which is too bad. I think that one of the biggest areas of improvement for them would be having some curiosity/touch spaces for children. And, better signage about which entrances can take large packages, strollers, etc

That being said: Its an amazing museum, with world class treasures, open 7 days a week, to anyone. I hope the guards do not stop you from going. reach out to the public affairs office if you have a less than acceptable experience.

[Anonymous]

I hate taking my students on field trips to the Nat'l Gallery of Art all the guards are rude to adults and especially children. They go out of their way to scowl and scold visitors. The guards are so rude to me and students. I have said this for years. It's one of the reasons I rarely go there and only took my son once or twice. SO RUDE. I have lived in DC my whole life, I'm over 50 and have to take out of town guests to the gallery I always warn them the guards are RUDE, RUDE, RUDE.

[Anonymous]

3yr olds are too young for any museums.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:well now that this thread has been revived, I feel compelled to weigh in.

I worked there for many years. I agree that some of the guards can be/were overzealous. The period in which the original post was written followed up on a time when art works were being vandalized by a mentally ill person. There was another active security threat at the time that was not publicized. At that same time, another work in the National Gallery in london was hit with spray paint. The guards were acutely vigilant and, at times, probably overreacted. I know that after a few over reactions, there was a lot of discussion about how to properly train the guards to deal with varying scenarios.

I also want to say that some of the guards are wonderful. Some are de facto docents, and love telling people about the art on view. Some have been working there for years and years.

That being said: while YOUR toddler may not have been touching the art, I can guarantee you that every single week, something got touched/scratched/spit on/kicked/bled on/etc. People backed into art work ALL THE TIME. tripped over it, swung their strollers in it, bashed purses, etc. (side note: someone smashed one of the works in the Kusama exhibit at the Hirshhorn the first week, taking a selfie). Kids were sometimes at issue, but more often adults.

The hardest hit was the outdoor sculpture, which people treated like swingsets,but indoors as well. A long running american furniture exhibit witnessed people sitting in the chairs, opening drawers, etc. At least one chair was broken.

Because kids are curious and unpredictable, the guards are sometimes on high alert. I have young kids and I was always hyper vigilant with them at museums--keeping a death grip on them in areas where they could get in trouble, but also using the opportunity to show them why we can and can't touch art. I appreciate museums that do have hands on sections for children, and the NGA does not, which is too bad. I think that one of the biggest areas of improvement for them would be having some curiosity/touch spaces for children. And, better signage about which entrances can take large packages, strollers, etc

That being said: Its an amazing museum, with world class treasures, open 7 days a week, to anyone. I hope the guards do not stop you from going. reach out to the public affairs office if you have a less than acceptable experience.

Appreciate this informative and balanced post.

+1 to the sketch pad suggestion on page 1. We had years of good experiences with preschoolers and early elementary schoolers when they went with a sketch pad into the gallery rooms.

[Anonymous]

I know this is an old post, but in many museums the guards can be jumpy. It's their job. Say sorry, or thank you and move on. Sometimes kids listen better to others about rules, and they may take "no touching" more seriously from a guard than from you.

We had a wonderful experience there recently, when a guard asked my 5 year old who his favorite ninja turtle was (he was wearing a tshit with them) and then which painting was his favorite. The guard was a joy, and was personable while still taking his job seriously.

[Anonymous]

If it weren't for dipshit helicopter parents who think that their little Larla or Larlito should be able to run around completely unfettered and put their dirty little fingers on everything in reach, maybe the guards wouldn't be so uptight.

After reading the OP, I can tell exactly what her little rugrat is doing, and when I see kids acting like that, I find myself wishing a stray pibull would happen by and maul them.

Kids like the OPs are why people hate other people's kids