The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex, has asked its visitors to "leave their selfie sticks in their bags." It means no more remote pics in front of extinct monsters or rockets.
The ban was not triggered by any particular incident, the
Smithsonian explained in a statement. It's a "preventive
measure" designed to protect visitors and objects,
"especially during crowded conditions."
There were more than 28 million visits to the museums and the
National Zoo last year, boosted by the fact that admission to all
Smithsonian museums in Washington is free.
"For the safety of our visitors and collections, the
Smithsonian prohibits the use of tripods or monopods in our
museums and gardens," the statement on the museum's website
informed.
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The institution also forbids large backpacks from entry.
The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the
Smithsonian is estimated at nearly 138 million, including over
126 million specimens and artifacts at the National Museum of
Natural History. The Smithsonian Institution includes 19 museums
and galleries and the National Zoological Park.
The move follows similar restrictions at other US museums,
including New York's landmark Metropolitan Museum of Art and the
New York Museum of Sex.