Museum Filming Guidelines
Professional and commercial filming and photography on Museum property are permitted only by securing permission through the Communications office prior to arrival. A member of the Communications staff must accompany film crews at all times while on Museum property. For all Museum visitors, please follow the Museum's building policies.
Please read the guidelines below and contact any member of the Communications team with any questions or to make arrangements to film or photograph on Museum property.
When Filming and Photography are Allowed
As outlined in the Museum’s building policies, non-flash photography is permitted in the Museum. Equipment–lights, stands, etc.,–is not permitted. Professional photography or filming in exhibition spaces must be approved in advance by the Communications office and must be completed before the Museum opens at 10 a.m. Arrangements cannot be made for after hours. Professional photography and filming elsewhere in the Museum during visitation hours is possible, but must be supervised by a member of the Communications staff.
Photographing or Recording Artifacts
Images of artifacts, photographs, and other visuals from the Museum’s exhibitions must be properly captioned and credited. Please note that many of the photographs in the Museum are copyright protected. Written permission must be secured from the copyright holder before photographing or filming these items. Communications staff can provide contact information for copyright holders of items displayed in exhibition spaces.
Interviews at the Museum
Museum employees and volunteers may only be interviewed after making arrangements through our Communications office. Museum visitors may not be interviewed onsite.
Requesting Archival Photographs and Still Images
Please go to collections.ushmm.org and search for images you’d like to request. Images in the online collections catalog can be used without the need for additional permissions unless otherwise explicitly stated under "Rights and Restrictions." Please make sure you comply with the Museum's Terms of Use. To request larger digital images when available, click the "Download Options" button on an individual record. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for delivery. Additionally, the Museum may not be able to accommodate requests for larger images or copies of non-digital materials. If you need an image sooner, please contact Communications staff.
Requesting Film, Oral History and Recorded Sound
Please go to collections.ushmm.org and search for the archive film or recorded sound you’d like to request. If archive footage, oral histories, or sound recordings are in the public domain and have no copyright restrictions, the Museum can supply digital video files directly by a share file / FTP service. Staff will upload files and share a link with you for downloading. Materials that are not in the public domain must be cleared with the rights holder by you before duplication. Consult filmvideo@ushmm.org for details on specific items and review the procedures for ordering copies. To obtain copies of interviews conducted by the USC Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive, you must contact the USC Shoah Foundation directly.
Requesting Copyright or Permissions
If you have specific questions or information about copyright or permissions, contact the Permissions Office at permissions@ushmm.org.
Shapell Center Filming Guidelines
About the David and Fela Shapell Family Collections, Conservation and Research Center
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s collections are permanently housed at the David and Fela Shapell Family Collections, Conservation and Research Center in Bowie, Maryland. This state-of-the-art facility houses the most comprehensive collection of Holocaust documentation in the world. It features highly specialized laboratories and climate-controlled environments where a wide variety of media are treated and preserved to preserve the evidence of the Holocaust for future generations.
Parking
Parking is available at the Shapell Center. Please confirm with a member of the Communications team that parking has been secured for your vehicle(s). You will need to provide the make, model, and license plate number (include the issuing state) in advance. Vehicles will be subject to a security inspection and must sign in before entering the building.
Guidelines for Filming at the Shapell Center
A Communications staff member must accompany any commercial (not for personal use) filming (inside or outside the Shapell Center) at all times.
Visitors and equipment must go through a security checkpoint before entering the building.
The Shapell Center is a large facility, and equipment cannot be left unattended. Please bring sufficient personnel and carts to move equipment brought into the facility.
Artifacts that will be filmed must be agreed upon in advance. Appropriate Shapell Center staff must be on hand to handle the artifact(s). Prior approval from the Museum for filming is necessary; please allow eight weeks for Museum staff to review filming requests. Impromptu, on-site artifact filming requests cannot be accommodated.
For copyright and security purposes, only film in areas, personnel, and collections that have been approved by the Communications staff. Exterior images of the Shapell Center are permitted. However, images of security personnel and installations (fencing, parking lot entrance, security screenings, etc.) are prohibited.
A signed Museum location release form must be completed and received by Communications staff prior to filming.
Food and drink are permitted only in the kitchen/break area.
The Museum’s Collections
The Museum’s collections are the physical evidence of the Holocaust. When the survivors are no longer with us, they will be the most authentic proof of the murder of six million Jews and millions of others by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. Many of our collections have been donated by Holocaust survivors and their families and may be the only evidence documenting their experiences. We ask that you be mindful of the historical and personal significance, and irreplaceability of these items when visiting the Shapell Center.
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Resources and tips to assist you before, during, and after your visit to the Museum