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Photography On Site

NEW POLICY ON PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE GEORGE EASTMAN MUSEUM

Updated 6/1/26

To protect our beautiful grounds and ensure an enjoyable experience for our visitors, the George Eastman Museum has adopted a new policy on taking photographs on our property.  As the stewards of a National Historic Landmark—including three historic gardens—we are committed to preserving this special place for all who visit now and for generations to come. The museum’s historic gardens are being restored, with improved accessibility, at an investment of more than $2 million. Maintaining our grounds requires significant ongoing work by our staff and volunteers.

The grounds of the George Eastman Museum, extending from East Avenue to University Avenue, are the museum’s property and not a public park. Our gardens are open from May 1 through November 1.

In recent years, the popularity of our grounds as a setting for photographing special occasions has grown dramatically. The changes in our policy are necessary because, on some days, hundreds of people come to our grounds to take photographs for senior pictures, proms and balls, graduations, engagements, and other special events. Further, many professional photographers who have not made prior arrangements are disrupting visitors’ enjoyment of the property. The revised rules follow:

Professional (Paid) Photography

Professional (paid) photography of individuals, couples, or groups or any other commercial photography on the museum’s property will only be permitted with a pre-approved paid reservation. Continuing our longtime policy, professional photographers may make reservations to take photographs at a specific location, such as the West Garden, during a specific time (see below). 

Non-Professional Photography

For non-professional (unpaid) photography:

  • We warmly encourage visitors to capture personal memories of their visit during museum hours, provided that the photography is not set up in a way that disrupts other visitors’ experience
  • Photography for proms or balls will only be permitted with a pre-approved paid reservation 
  • Special-event photography of individuals, couples, or groups outside of museum hours will only be permitted with a pre-approved paid reservation

Non-professional photographers may make a pre-approved paid reservations to take photographs at a specific location during a specific time (see below).

Reservations to Take Photographs

Reservations can be made to photograph outdoors or in the historic mansion. Our fees for a reserved time block remain unchanged: one hour outside is $400, and one hour in the mansion is $600. 

For more information or to check availability of a reservation, please contact the Special Events office at 585-327-4888. For several reasons, we do not take reservations via email. Please call the office directly.

Our Commitment to Our Visitors

Our updated policy will help us:

  • Protect and maintain our historic gardens and all of our grounds;
  • Ensure that every visitor can enjoy a peaceful and memorable experience; and
  • Provide an orderly environment for those who reserve time for photography of special occasions.

We are delighted to continue welcoming guests who wish to share the beauty of the museum property through casual photography and invite everyone to help us preserve and share this remarkable place.