Photography at a Museum: Chicago

I didn't go to the Museum of Science and Industry, but I recently went to the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum in Chicago, the Detroit Institute of Art and Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural History and NY Aquarium in NYC. All of them allowed photography, though some exhibits were explicitly marked otherwise. Many of them even allowed flash, although I'd ask before using it. None of them allowed tripods. Monopods are a flip of the coin, since many of the employees will automatically assume it's a tripod and tell you it's not permitted.

pixelharmony wrote in post #5492609
They said "yes, as long as it's not one of those big professional cameras".

I'd like to see one of those BIG cameras. My Canon is just regular size. Good thing they don't care about the size of the lens.

tonylong wrote in post #5517192
Has anyone had luck bringing in a monopod where tripods are prohibited?

i recall someone talking about making a make-shift tripod, which consists of a chain (or rope), threaded fitting, and plate. you screw it into the base of the camera, drop the chain, step on the plate, and pull up, creating tension and helping to minimize camera motion.

i haven't tried it, but it sounds like it should work.

I used my 30D at all the Museums in Chicago in March without incident... The only signs I saw were "No Flash Photography" (as others have already said). I don't have a monopod, but I saw others using them... I don't think tripods are allowed...

Have fun!