Photography and Videography Policy

Photography and videography are encouraged at Newfields and guests are also encouraged to share their photos or videos using #DiscoverNewfields. To protect the art and living collections, and for the safety of other guests, the guidelines below must be followed when photographing and filming at Newfields.

GENERAL GUESTS

Photography and filming must be conducted without disruption to Newfields operations or limitation to the accessibility of exhibitions, entrances/exits, doorways, pathways, and high traffic areas.
To help preserve the art and living collections, entering, climbing, or standing on, or otherwise touching any art, water features, fountains, or plant beds, is prohibited. Do not climb, lean, or sit on any art or place props or equipment on these items.
Flash photography, tripods, monopods (including selfie sticks) and other photographic equipment are not permitted inside the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Lilly House, Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse, or Miller House.
The use of drones by guests is not permitted on any part of Newfields’ campus for the safety and security of other guests.
Photography and filming is permitted for private, non-commercial use only. Photos and videos may not be published, sold, reproduced, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner.
Unless otherwise noted, photography of temporary exhibitions or borrowed works of art is not permitted.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY SHOOTS

The Garden at Newfields requires a permit for all photography and videography shoots (e.g., engagement and family photos). 

To ensure a scheduled three (3) hour time block for a photography or videography shoot and obtain your digital photo pass (will appear as a “ticket”), please complete the online order form at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of intended date(s) and time(s) of the shoot. Any questions should be submitted to photopass@discovernewfields.org.

ORDER A PHOTO PASS

HOURS

The Garden at Newfields is open for up to three (3) hour photography and videography shoots during the following times:

March 31, 2025–May 25, 2025: 9am–5pm Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and 9am–8pm Thursday–Saturday
May 25, 2025–September 1, 2025: 10am–5pm Monday–Wednesday, 10am–8pm Thursday–Friday, 9am–8pm Saturday, and 9am–5pm Sunday
NOTE: for Newfields to provide an exceptional experience to guests holding their wedding event in The Garden, separate wedding photography shoots cannot be facilitated on Saturdays during these Summer hours. Thank you for your understanding.

NOTE: photography and videography shoots may be scheduled for up to three (3) hours on a single day. You may enter The Garden at any time during your three (3) hour time block to start your shoot. The final start time for any shoot will be three (3) hours prior to the closing times outlined above.

The Garden at Newfields is closed for photography and videography shoots on Mondays from Labor Day to Memorial Day, as well as on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and during the following date ranges:

May 10–11, 2025
September 4–7, 2025

Fairbanks Park and the Sutphin Mall maintain dawn-dusk open hours seven (7) days a week throughout the year.

GUIDELINES

It is important that all groups planning a shoot in The Garden at Newfields adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the safety of the art and living collections and the experience of future guests:

Shoots are not permitted inside the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Lilly House, or Elder Greenhouse.
All photography and videography shoots with clients, professional or amateur, that utilize professional equipment require a digital photo pass. For the purposes of this policy, professional equipment includes the use of a tripod, monopod, lights, umbrellas, diffusers, detachable flash, multiple lenses, large photography bags, reflectors, props, etc. Additionally, shoots that are works for hire, involve clients, or otherwise involve the exchange of money for a service rendered require a pass.
When you arrive at Newfields, please be prepared to show your digital photo pass (will appear as a “ticket”). Additionally, while in The Garden a member of Newfields’ staff may ask to see your digital photo pass “ticket” to confirm the shoot.
Purchase of a photo pass does not authorize the use of drones on any part of the Newfields campus and will not be permitted for the safety and security of other guests.
The digital photo pass fee of fifty USD ($50) covers two (2) named photographers/videographers from a single company and up to ten (10) individuals from a single client group (e.g., no more than ten [10] individuals for a family portrait shoot).
General admission is not required for the photographer/videographer or their client(s) in addition to the digital photo pass fee to access The Garden for the purpose of the shoot. If any individual want to separately visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Lilly House, or The Garden on the same day and outside the three (3) hours of the shoot, membership or the purchase of general admission ticket(s) will be required.
Students may obtain a free digital photo pass only for the completion of class assignments by emailing photopass@discovernewfields.org and providing a valid student ID. A maximum of ten (10) free passes will be permitted per calendar year.
Payment of fees is due when ordering a digital photo pass online.
Access to The Garden at Newfields is limited to the date(s) and three (3) hour time block(s) approved when ordering a digital photo pass online. You may enter The Garden at any time during your three (3) hour time block to start your shoot. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section for what to do in case of rain or other inclement weather.
Original art in The Garden at Newfields may be protected by copyright. Photography and videography shoots are intended for private, non-commercial use only. Photos and videos may not be reproduced, published, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner to protect the rights of the creator(s).
Photographers/videographers and their clients are not permitted to walk in plant beds or to move, rearrange or handle any plants or planted containers in any way.
Shoots involving nudity are not permitted.

Newfields reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to shoot on its premises. Newfields staff have the authority to approach anyone suspected of conducting a photography or videography shoot and to enforce these rules. Failure to comply may result in removal from the premises. Please follow any verbal instructions you are given by Newfields’ staff.

LICENSING AND LOCATION SHOOTS

Newfields welcomes proposals for commercial and professional location (photography and videography) shoots in the Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Garden, Lilly House, Miller House and Garden, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, and other Newfields buildings. The Legal Affairs and Intellectual Property Department will work with your team to assess applications, plan logistics, and oversee on-site production. For additional information and the application, please review the Licensing and Location Shoots page.  

NEWS COVERAGE POLICY

Reporters and members of the press may photograph or film within designated areas of Newfields for the purpose of news coverage. All reporters and members of the press must make arrangements with the Marketing and Communications Department prior to their arrival. All reporters and members of the press will be escorted at all times by designated Newfields staff member(s).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why did Newfields institute this policy?
The photography and videography policy was created to protect the grounds and the artwork, both inside the museum and outdoors, in addition to artists’ rights. This policy allows the museum to control the number of photography and videography shoots on the grounds at one time to lessen the disruptions to scheduled events and guest experiences. Furthermore, this policy helps support artists’ rights! As such, Newfields does not assume responsibility for the associated intellectual property, including copyright, or any other legal rights involved in the publication and reproduction of materials from its collections. Newfields’ digital photo pass fees do not include any fees that may be due separately to the rights owner(s) or administrator(s) (e.g., creator, representing gallery, estate, etc.) depending on your intended use of the photos or videos.

Where do I check-in for my shoot and access the Garden?
All photographers and their clients should check in at the Garden Entrance (by the Randolph H. Deer Special Events Pavilion) or the main Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion (welcome center) to check in for their shoot. The Garden Entrance is staffed starting at 11 AM daily. Please have your clients provide the booking name “[photographer or studio name]” for speedy entry. Please note upon entering, all guests to Newfields are now required to pass through a metal detector. Individuals unable to go through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an electronic wand by Newfields Security. If your shoot is scheduled before Newfields is open, the only entrance to The Garden will be via the Efroymson Family Pavilion. Please call Security Control at 317-923-1331 ext. 175 for assistance accessing The Garden.

What is the best place to park for my shoot?
We recommend that you park in Lot A or the parking garage and then walk to the Garden Entrance or the Efroymson Family Pavilion where you will check in.

What if I purchase a digital photo pass and it rains or there is other inclement weather?
Contact photopass@discovernewfields.org to reschedule your shoot. A replacement pass will be issued to you at no charge.

I want to use a video camera on the grounds. Do I need a pass?
Yes, videography shoots are handled the same as still photography. Please purchase a pass for your shoot.

I’m just a guest to Newfields. Can I upload my personal pictures to social media sites?
Yes! Newfields encourages you to share the images from your visit, as long as they are not available for someone to purchase or are being used to market a business in any way. We love to see our guests sharing on social with #DiscoverNewfields.

I’m just a guest to Newfields, but I own a SLR or DSLR “professional” camera. Can I bring this camera to photograph while visiting with my family?
Yes, as long as you only have the camera. The addition of multiple lenses, large photography bag, tripod, etc. will give the impression you are here for a shoot and not just visiting Newfields.

We are a group/club of photography or videography enthusiasts wanting to shoot in The Garden. Do we need passes?
Yes! Reach out to photopass@discovernewfields.org for scheduling and group rates. photography and videography groups/clubs should notify photopass@discovernewfields.org of their intended outing. Documentation from the organizing club/business should be provided and group rates for digital photo passes as a group will be communicated on an individual basis.