In France I'm allowed to take my purse (6X9X5 inches w/ shoulder strap) with me. I'm also allowed to take my camera into permanent collections and take photos as long as I don't use my flash. In Italy will I have to check my purse? Am I not going to be allowed to take photos in museums?

We're going to Italy next year and this is very important to me. I noticed this on a thread about "What is rude in Italy?"

You can take photographs in most museums without flash, and even some with flash. (For example, in the Vatican Museum flash is allowed for photographing the sculpture...at least it was four years ago.)
Among the exceptions is the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museum where no photography is allowed.
Apparently, the camera rules for Michelangeo's David at the Accademia in Florence seem to change with regularly. Sometimes you can, sometimes you can't.

You're supposed to check your camera at the Villa Borghese. At Castel Sant' Angelo my husband was stopped from taking photographs (without a flash) whereas another employee told him to go ahead and photograph.

When I was in Italy in September, no pictures were allowed of the Sistine Chapel. Pictures were allowed in St. Peter's Basilica. Some places pictures were allowed without flash. No pictures were allowed of David.

Purses did not have to be checked, but backpacks did.

"...this is very important to me."

If this is true, SalB, then I suggest you call each museum you intend to enter with a camera one week before departure and ask what their policy is. Each museum has different rules that seem to change regularly and this year I noticed more intolerance than ever before. Also, much depends on what kind of camera you carry. I doubt those 3 mega-pixel, fit-in-your-pocket style cams will get you into much trouble. Pull out a Mamiya RZ or anything a pro might use and watch security come out of the woodwork. It just depends. Pretending you didn't know any better doesn't get you very far, either. Don't forget, signs and security cameras are everywhere.

I've never been in the Sistine Chapel when some idiot didn't let a flash go off. The guards get very upset and are quite vocal, causing major humiliation and commotion. I've seen them confiscate film and I hear they won't hesitate to ask for a digital's memory card.

Also, certain outdoor monuments in Italy require a permit if you intend to shoot with a tripod (the same is true with the Louvre). If the coast is clear of police, you can get away with it. If you get caught and you don't have formal permission, you'll be asked to stop and move on.

Thanks. It sounds pretty reasonable. I have a 3.2 megapixel that fits into my purse so if photos aren't allowed, I just turn it off and slip it into the purse.

From what I had seen on another string, I was afraid I would have to check the purse with the camera in it.

Once in France, my daughter & I had to check our purses and cameras. The exhibit was awful so I'm not sure why they were so protective . . . so the word wouldn't get out presumably!

I would cheerfully let them delete the offending pictures before I would give up my memory card. They're expensive!

Thanks for the help. I will call ahead a few places and check. I'm a little more flexible than I sounded in the original post, but I do enjoy taking pictures and didn't want to have my camera and purse checked at all the museums in Italy.

Appreciate your prompt responses.

NYCFS, I agree. I hate popping flashes. We were popped to death in Notre Dame last month. They were even using flashes during church services. I don't use the flash or a tripod. My pictures are just for fun, nothing serious. I just take a lot and really enjoy it.

BTW, I was horrified to see people using their flashes at paintings in the Louvre last month. None of the guards seemed to be particularly bothered. This really surprised me. Are there just too many flash poppers to police? I hope not or they will crack down on all cameras, flash or not.

Hi Sal,

In Florence, Naples and Venice we found that the museums and churches, etc had signs at the entrance showing cameras, cameras with flash, tripods, etc with an X through them if they were not permitted.

Enforcement of the rules ranged from nonexistent to capricious to strict.

Last year at the Guggenheim in Venice I was forced to check my handbag. They grudgingly allowed me to remove the wallet.

Since your camera is so small and can easily be stowed, I wouldn't bother calling the museums in advance. If there is no sign at the entrance, just ask.
If you are really intent on taking pictures indoors, I suggest you use 800-speed film and turn off your flash. It worked wonderfully for me in museums and I got some great shots.

SalB, I just posted an answer to you on that other thread before I saw you started this one. The Borghese Gallery in Rome did insist (last March) that people check their purses before entering. That is the only place I encountered with that policy.

Thanks all. It sounds like Italy is pretty normal. I have a wallet on a string so I can keep it if I have to check my purse. I hate doing that, but realize sometimes it happens.

HowardR, I have a digital camera so don't use film (thankfully!). I usually don't use flash either. With my old camera I used 400 film and it worked fine without the flash.

On the digital you really save your batteries if you skip the flash. 8^>

To show how naive I am travelwise, I didn't even know there was a Guggenheim in Venice. I've been to the one in NYC and understand there's one in a casino in Las Vegas and, of course, the striking new one in Bilbao, but when did they open one in Venice? It sounds like a museum chain! McGuggenheim . . .

Hi Sal,

It opened in 1951. See http://www.guggenheim-venice.it/english/ for more than you ever wanted to know.

You are correct. It is a museum chain.

Ira, That's funny. I was in third grade. Guess I missed the press release!

We've only driven into Italy briefly, not even spent the night so I haven't done much research on what is there. My husband decided he wanted to visit Italy next Fall so we're studying Italian and I guess I better study a LOT about what is there.

We're only doing Rome and Tuscany. Thought it might be better to limit it so we could enjoy what we were seeing. I haven't been too excited about it, but reading this board has gotten me feeling much better about it. I'm looking forward to it now. I really thank everyone who has posted about Italy. It's a big boost.

SalB
We really enjoyed the Guggenhiem (Peggy)
in Venice. Well worth a visit. Enjoy your trip. Italy is a great country.