Do I need to get licensing permission to publish a photograph I took at the Chicago Art Institute?

Question

I took a really cool photo of a Frank Loyd Wright Stained Glass work with the background of the ceiling and rays of sunlight comming through. If I want to sell prints of it do you think I should get permission from the Chicago Art Institute?

Answer 1

Ipshwitz gives an excellent answer.

I would add the following from the The Art Institute of Chicago:
“Photography of loan exhibitions is not permitted. Still photography of the permanent collection, taken in existing light, is permitted on condition that the photographs are for personal, noncommercial use. Flashes, tripods, and video cameras are prohibited.”

Thus, the commercial use of the photograph would require the permission of The Art Institute of Chicago.

Answer 2

It seems everyone thinks they know everything. If they aren't sure... they shouldn't answer.

The Chicago Art Institute (though privately owned) is a public display. Which means it can be photographed, videoed, painted, drawn, etc and sold without needing the permission of the owners or anyone for that matter. Copyright violations only take into effect when the subject being photographed is a privately owned piece of work that is not on public display. However, getting permission does show good faith to the owners (though it would probably be hard to get) but again isn't required. If this was the case, 1000s upon 1000s of people would need permission to sell their works of the Empire State Building or even the Eiffel tower (which they don't get and don't need) or any other major attraction out there.

Now, onto the piece of art in the photo. This could be tricky depending on the location of the art. Now, being a window, it's assumed that it's on the outside of the building? Or is it something photographed inside. If it's on the outside and it's part of the building than again, you can safely sell it without the permission. However, if the stained glass is in a display on the inside of the building you will have to get permission from the Institute as they will have been given all copyright permissions from the originating artist or the originating artists beneficiary.

Answer 3

Yes you defenitely need permission whenever you are photographing something recognizable. You should ckeck with the Art Institute as you maybe also have to get permission from the artist.

Answer 4

On top of the permission from the artist as everybody above me has said, you would also need permission from the museum. That is their property and if you are going to use it for your gains, they have the right to know and grant permission to you to do so.

Answer 5

No. You should not attempt to use anyone eles property without permission. This could lead to copy-right infrigments against you. So ask the owers first or the care keepers first,

Answer 6

I would certainly check with them before I proceeded with trying to sell this work. Otherwise you might find yourself in a world of trouble. This way you can proceed without any worries.

Answer 7

I think you might also need Frank Lloyd Wright's permission too... (or whoever runs his copyright).