Taking Camera Into DC Public Buildings?

I heard that cameras are not llowed in the Bureau Of Engraving, is this true? Are there other public DC buildings where cameras are also not allowed?

Thank you.

Taking Camera Into DC Public Buildings?

You can%26#39;t take photos on the BEP tour, but they will allow you to bring your camera into the building so long as you don%26#39;t use it and keep it in the case. You can use it in the gift shop where they have a few little exhibits, just not where the money is made. If they catch you using it, you will (at a minimum) be removed from the tour.

The BEP tour staff is well aware of devices that double as cameras (PDAs and cellphones), and will tell you to keep those in your pockets as well.

Taking Camera Into DC Public Buildings?

Thanks for the info!

Here are the guidelines from the websites:

BEP -- There is nothing mentioned on their website. I have sent them an e-mail, and will report back after they have contacted me.

Captiol -- ';Prohibited Items: Any aerosol containers, anything with batteries, pointed objects like knitting needles, any bag larger than 14'; wide, 13'; high or 4'; deep, cameras, cans %26amp; bottles, creams, lotions, perfumes, food or beverages of any kind, knives, of any size, replica guns, chewing gum, non-aerosol aprays, strollers, razors or box cutters, video recorders.';

National Archives – I jotted down a note that said BACKPACKS PROHIBITED, but I can’t find anything on their website about restrictions. I will call them and find out.

State Department – I don’t know what the restrictions are; I will try to find out.

Supreme Court -- (This is for those who wish to view the Court when it is in session--oral arguments) ';You will go through a security checkpoint as you enter the building and again as you enter the Courtroom. Weapons or other dangerous or illegal items are not allowed on the grounds or in the building. Please refrain from taking the following items into the Courtroom when Court is in session: cameras, radios, pagers, tape players, cell phones, tape recorders, other electronic equipment, hats, overcoats, magazines and books, briefcases and luggage. Sunglasses, identification tags (other than military), display buttons and inappropriate clothing may not be worn. A checkroom is available on the first floor to check coats and other personal belongings. Coin operated (quarters only) lockers for cameras and other valuables are available. The checkroom closes 30 minutes after Court adjourns.

We do not recommend taking infants or small children into the courtroom.';

Washington Monument—“PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT: WEAPONS (GUNS, KNIVES, STUN GUNS, IRRITANT GAS DEVICES, AMMUNITION, ETC.) AEROSOL OR NON-AEROSOL SPRAY CANS, SMOKING, EATING OR DRINKING, SUITCASES, DUFFEL BAGS OR BACKPACKS LARGER THAN 18'; X 16'; X 8';, STROLLERS, PETS, (EXCEPT GUIDE DOGS ACCOMPANYING VISUALLY OR HEARING IMPAIRED PERSONS), ANY TANGIBLE OBJECTS THAT COULD REASONABLY THREATEN PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY, FOOD (EXCEPT A SMALL QUANTITY OF SEALED FOOD ITEMS), BEVERAGES (EXCEPT WATER OR BABY FORMULA IN CLEAR PLASTIC CONTAINERS).”

White House -- ';Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following: handbags, book bags, backpacks, purses, food and beverages of any kind, strollers, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording device, tobacco products, personal grooming items (make-up, hair brush or comb, lip or hand lotions, etc.), any pointed objects (pens, knitting needles, etc.), aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. Umbrellas, wallets, cell phones and car keys are permitted.

Please note that no storage facilities are available on or around the complex. Individuals who arrive with prohibited items will not be permitted to enter the White House. ';

I cannot believe what just happened--I just called the BEP, and a real live human being answered the phone on the third ring. No recorded message.

She said exactly what tubman said--there are no restrictions on what you can bring in, so you don%26#39;t have to worry about backpacks, cameras, food, etc. But she reiterated that there are some areas where you can%26#39;t take pictures. She seemed very easygoing, and said there really aren%26#39;t any restrictions, although I%26#39;m sure they would be a little alarmed if someone walked in with an Uzi semi-automatic rifle (just kidding).

Another concern is the Homeland Security threat level, which is at Orange--but she reminded me that only pertains to airports. The level is at yellow everywhere else in the country, including the BEP.

So come on down!

I believe the White House is the only tourist destination that specifically prohibits bringing in a camera. Others fall into the same category as BEP--sympathetic to tourists who have cameras to the point that they%26#39;ll let you bring it in, but with your understanding that you can%26#39;t use it.

Some places (Holocaust Museum and possibly some art galleries) may have restrictions on flash photography or may indentify specific exhibits where photography is not allowed.

On our trip last year we were able to take our camera in everyplace except the white house. We were told however in the Bureau of Engraving no pictures were allowed and that they would confiscate them. We were told this several times on our tour. It has something to do with security and counterfiting. You can also not take pictures in the Holocaust museum and Spy museum. However pictures are allowed in the Supreme court, Library of Congress and the US capitol.

Pictures are also prohibited at the Pentagon if you go there to walk around outside.