There is a certain art gallery etiquette that is helpful to understand when you visit a gallery opening or a major art museum. It has to do with courtesy, but also with true appreciation.

Many people are confused about art gallery etiquette. When they visit a gallery, they are not sure how they should act. Other people fail to maximize their experience because they do not understand the fuss about art and are not really sure how to evaluate it or judge it. There are some common sense rules about art gallery etiquette that covers either situation.

An art gallery is not a church although to many people it appears to be so. This is because people tend to move around quietly and speaking is usually done in whispers. This is part of art gallery etiquette. The point is that to truly appreciate art it must be more experienced than viewed. A true art lover will allow the work of art to impact them on many levels including emotional and visual. It is a bit difficult to experience art in a noisy and rowdy environment. People are quiet in an art gallery to minimize the distractions and allow others to concentrate on the art.

Everyone has their own opinion on any work of art. There is no unwritten law that says we must like a work of art because someone else has declared it a masterpiece. However, in the gallery viewing areas, it is important to keep these opinions to yourself. Regardless of how much right you have to like or dislike any given work, sharing it with the room will only negatively impact their own opportunity to experience it for themselves and to form their own opinion.

Some people act as if the buying and selling of art in a commercial gallery is something that is sacred and taboo. It is not bad etiquette to talk about the price of a work of art in an art show. The artist has exhibited them in the anticipation of selling them. Asking about price or carrying a printed price list with you during an art show is fine. On the other hand, one should not haggle over a work of art with a gallery employee or the artist in front of the other patrons. The work of art is not an old lamp at a garage sale. If there are questions about price or if you wish to make an offer, this should be done quietly and privately to respect the viewing experience of other patrons.

Do not worry if you do not really understand art or fail to see the fuss about any particular style or work. Art appreciation is something that can be learned, but it does not ever change the fact that people react to art on an emotional level. Good art gallery etiquette simply allows us to have this reaction, or not have it, without interfering with others.