A Museum of Selfies is a photo venue designed around taking and sharing your own pictures

A Museum of Selfies is a physical space where you pose for photos in themed rooms and backdrops, then take home digital copies or prints. Unlike a traditional photo booth where you sit in a small enclosed space, a Museum of Selfies gives you an entire room or set to move around in. You typically pay an entrance fee, spend an hour or two taking photos in different themed areas, and leave with images you can print, email, or share on social media.

The experience is less about professional photography and more about creating fun, shareable moments. Most locations provide props, lighting, and backdrops designed to look good in photos. Some museums also offer professional editing, when ready printing, or digital downloads as part of the package.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay a single entrance fee to spend time in multiple themed rooms, not per photo like a traditional booth.
  • Most museums let you take unlimited photos during your visit, though some limit the number you can read or print.
  • Your photos are usually yours to keep and share, but check the venue's policy on commercial use before posting to business accounts.
  • Prices and what's included vary widely by location, so call ahead or check the website to understand what you're paying for.

How much it costs and what's included

Entrance fees typically range from $20 to $40 per person for a one-hour visit, though this varies by city and how established the venue is. Some museums charge more for group rates or longer sessions. A few locations offer discounts for advance online booking or off-peak hours.

What you get for that fee depends on the specific museum. Most include unlimited photos during your visit, access to all themed rooms, and basic props. Some include a certain number of digital downloads or prints; others charge extra for those. A few venues offer professional editing or custom filters as an add-on. Before you go, check the museum's website or call to confirm whether photos are included in the price or whether you pay separately to take them home.

What happens when you arrive

When you arrive, you'll typically check in at a front desk, pay your fee, and receive instructions on how the visit works. Staff may give you a wristband, a code, or a link to access your photos later. Some museums assign you a time slot; others let you come and go during business hours.

You'll then move through the venue at your own pace, posing in different themed rooms. Most museums have 5 to 15 different sets or backdrops — anything from a glittery wall to a recreated living room to an outdoor garden scene. You use your own phone or camera to take photos, or staff may take photos for you. Some venues have attendants in each room who help with lighting or posing; others leave you to figure it out.

How you get your photos after the visit

The method for retrieving your photos depends on the venue. Some museums email you a link to read all your photos within a few days. Others give you a code to enter on their website to access your gallery. A few still offer prints on-site, though this usually costs extra.

Check the museum's policy on how long your photos stay available — some delete them after 30 days, others keep them indefinitely. If you want prints, ask whether the museum prints them or whether you need to order through a third-party service. Quality and turnaround time vary, so factor that into your decision if printed photos matter to you.

What to wear and bring

Wear something you feel confident in and that photographs well under artificial lighting. Many people dress up or wear bold colors because the themed rooms are designed to be visually interesting. Avoid busy patterns that might clash with the backdrops, though this is a personal choice.

Bring your phone or camera if you want to take your own photos — most museums allow this. Some venues provide props like hats, glasses, or signs; others ask you to bring your own or sell them on-site. If you wear makeup, consider bringing touch-up supplies, since you may spend an hour or more under bright lights. Comfortable shoes are a good idea because you'll be moving between rooms and posing repeatedly.

Differences between a Museum of Selfies and a photo booth

A traditional photo booth is a small enclosed space where you sit or stand for a few minutes while a camera takes a series of photos automatically. You typically pay $5 to $15 per session and walk away with a physical strip of photos or a digital file. The whole experience takes 5 to 10 minutes.

A Museum of Selfies gives you much more time and space. You control when and how many photos you take, you can pose however you want, and you have access to professional-grade lighting and themed backdrops. The trade-off is that it costs more and takes longer. If you want a quick, inexpensive photo memory, a booth is better. If you want to spend time creating multiple polished images, a museum is the better choice.

Things to know before you go

Group sizes matter — some museums have capacity limits or require reservations for groups larger than four or six people. If you're going with friends, check whether the venue allows group photos or whether everyone has to be in separate shots. Some museums also have age restrictions or require children to be accompanied by an adult.

Lighting is bright and can be harsh, so if you're sensitive to light or have certain eye conditions, ask the museum about this when you call. Some venues allow you to bring a friend or family member for free to help take photos, while others charge per person regardless of whether you're in every shot. Policies on commercial use also vary — if you plan to use photos for a business, blog, or social media account with a large following, ask the museum whether that's allowed or whether it requires additional permission or payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own camera or do I have to use my phone?

Most museums allow you to bring your own camera or use your phone. Some have staff photographers who will take photos for you if you ask. Check with your specific venue, as policies differ. If you want professional-quality photos, ask whether they offer a photographer service or whether the lighting is set up for DSLR cameras.

What if I don't like my photos?

You own the photos you take, so you can edit, delete, or choose not to share them. Most museums don't offer refunds based on photo quality, but some allow you to retake photos or extend your session if there's a technical problem. Ask about this policy when you arrive.

Are the photos really mine to share on social media?

Yes, in most cases. You own the photos you take, and museums typically allow personal social media sharing. However, if you plan to use photos for commercial purposes — selling them, using them for a business, or posting them to a monetized account — check the museum's terms first. Some require additional permission or payment for commercial use.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most visits last 45 minutes to two hours, depending on how many rooms the museum has and how much time you spend in each one. If you're going with a group, add extra time for coordinating poses and retakes. Some museums offer extended sessions if you want more time.

Do I need to make a reservation?

It depends on the venue and how busy it is. Some museums operate on a walk-in basis during off-peak hours but require reservations on weekends or evenings. Check the website or call ahead to confirm whether you need to book in advance.