Planning to explore Europe’s rich cultural heritage? Museums across the continent hold treasures that attract millions of visitors every year. However, before you pack your essentials, it’s important to know the rules about bringing backpacks inside these iconic institutions. From strict security measures to preserving delicate artifacts, this guide will help you navigate backpack policies in European museums and ensure a smooth, hassle-free visit.
Can You Enter Museums in Europe with a Backpack?
In general, conventional backpacks are not allowed in European museums, however, most of them will allow you to bring a small bag, usually of a size of 40cm x 40cm. Keep in mind in many museums all your bags – and yourself included – will have to pass through a security control. Most museums have lockers in their entrance where you will be able to put all your things – including your backpack – before you start the visit.
Anyway, it’s important to be aware that backpack policies vary by institution, often influenced by security concerns and the need to protect exhibits:
- Many museums permit small backpacks, typically not exceeding dimensions around 40×40 cm.
- The Louvre in Paris allows bags up to 55x35x20 cm but requires larger items to be stored in lockers.
- Some institutions, like the Vatican Museums in Rome, require visitors to check larger backpacks into cloakrooms.
- Expect security checks similar to those at airports.
- Bags might be searched, and visitors typically pass through metal detectors.
Notable Exceptions:
- The British Museum, London: Allows only small bags and backpacks; larger items must be checked in at the cloakroom.
- The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam: Small bags are permitted, but large backpacks, suitcases, and other bulky items must be stored in lockers.
Why Are Backpacks not Allowed in Museums?
Museums often restrict or prohibit backpacks to protect exhibits, ensure visitor safety, and maintain a comfortable environment. The primary reasons include:
- Protection of Artifacts: Backpacks can inadvertently bump into or brush against delicate artworks and displays, potentially causing damage. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, for instance, requires visitors to wear small backpacks on the front or carry them by hand to minimize such risks.
- Security Concerns: Large bags can conceal prohibited items or pose security threats. To mitigate these risks, many museums implement bag size policies and conduct security screenings. The National Gallery in London, for example, has a bag size policy limiting the maximum size of bags allowed in the building to 56 x 25 x 45 cm.
- Visitor Experience: Backpacks worn on the back can obstruct pathways and hinder the movement of other visitors, especially in crowded galleries. By regulating backpack usage, museums aim to create a more comfortable and accessible environment for all guests.
To accommodate visitors, many museums offer cloakrooms or lockers where larger bags and backpacks can be stored during the visit.
Tips for Museum Visits with Backpacks:
If you will have a backpack during your visit to a European city, here are some tips we would recommend you to follow:
- Check Museum Websites: Before visiting, always check the museum’s official website for updated policies.
- Travel Light: Consider carrying only essential items in a small backpack to avoid the need for cloakroom storage.
- Use Lockers: Utilize the storage facilities provided by museums. These are usually safe and convenient.
- Be Security Ready: Pack your bag in such a way that it’s easy to open and check during security screenings.
Are Backpacks Allowed in van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam?
No, backpacks are not allowed in van Gogh Museum. At the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, visitors are required to store backpacks, umbrellas, and larger bags in the museum’s cloakroom. This policy helps protect the artwork and ensures a comfortable experience for all guests.
The museum provides a free cloakroom service where you can check in these items. While it’s not mandatory to leave coats or small daypacks, you have the option to store them if you prefer.
Can You Bring Backpacks Into Museums in Italy?
In general, big backpacks are not allowed in Italian museums either.
Notable Exceptions:
- Galleria Borghese, Rome: Visitors must deposit objects such as medium and large bags, shoppers, backpacks, baggages, umbrellas, selfie sticks, and others whose degree of dangerousness or encumbrance will be judged by security personnel. Only small fanny packs and purses no larger than 21 x 15 cm are allowed to enter.
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo): All ticket holders/visitors of the monumental complex of Piazza Duomo must first MANDATORY leave inside the Luggage Storage (Piazza Duomo n. 38/r) the following objects: Suitcases, backpacks, parcels, containers, and large and medium-sized bags.
Can I Take a Backpack Into the Pantheon?
In general, at the time of writing this, backpacks that are not extravagantly big are allowed inside the Pantheon.
Can I Bring a Backpack Into the Vatican Museum?
Yes, you can bring a backpack into the Vatican Museums, but there are specific size restrictions to be aware of. Backpacks larger than 40 x 35 x 15 cm (approximately 15.7 x 13.8 x 5.9 inches) must be checked into the cloakroom before entering the exhibition spaces. Additionally, any backpack that protrudes more than 15 cm (about 6 inches) from the body must also be left in the cloakroom.
The cloakroom service is provided free of charge. However, if you plan to continue your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica after the museums, it’s advisable not to leave your belongings in the Vatican Museums’ cloakroom, as retrieving them would require re-entry.
Can You Bring a Backpack Into London Museums?
The restrictions regarding backpacks in London are similar to those in other European countries – which we have already seen throughout the article. Yes, you can bring a backpack to the museum, however, in most museums you will not be allowed to enter inside the museum with it. However, most museums usually have cloackrooms where you can leave your stuff.
In general…
In general, backpack policies are very similar across all museums in Europe. Usually, you will not be allowed to enter inside the museums with big backpacks, in some museums, not only with small ones. However, most offer cloackrooms where you can leave all your things and pick them up after the visit.
