Allentown Art Museum — Attraction in Allentown

As a local, not for profit organization, with the intent of promoting art and education within the community and beyond, I was highly disappointed with the treatment by staff and security this past weekend. After calling to confirm that I would be allowed to take pictures of my daughter in her prom dress at the museum by front receptionist, Donald, we were then ambushed at the entrance by museum staff to inform us that we were given the incorrect information. At this point, we had no time to make other arrangements as this was our only stopping point prior to my daughter going to prom. The frustration and disappointment was overwhelming as she was unable to take outdoor photos due to the rain. Upon asking for an explanation, we were told that this type of photography (modeling) was prohibited without prior arrangement. Merriam Webster defines modeling as such, "to work or act as a fashion or art model" to which I informed them that personal pictures were encouraged in the museum according to the website. How are personal photos modeling? When I asked about taking her pictures in jeans and a top they said that was fine, which begs the question, is this a form of discrimination based on gender and personal wardrobe choice? The security guard made every effort to appear intimidating by standing with his legs apart and arms crossed over his chest at the entrance. Again, begging the question of whether this is gender discrimination and symbolic aggression as he was attempting to intimidate 2 women in their 40's and 2 seventeen year old girls. I did request and receive a copy of the museum policy regarding photography which had no verbiage to prohibit such types of photos and any posted material on the museum website does not cite anything against personal photos in the museum. The fact that we were given permission should have been enough to allow us to proceed into the museum, take our photos, and then leave. To retract that permission, after arrangements had been made, and cause such animosity and ill will to members of the community is disgraceful and very unprofessional. I should have continued my patronage of the Sigal Museum in Easton as they have always proven professional and actually welcoming of the community into their facility to promote a collaborative effort between art, education, and the community. Needless to say, I will not be returning to the Allentown Art Museum. As an educator in the area, I will be sure to let every student, parent, and fellow educator that I come in contact with know of my personal experience at the museum, encouraging them to visit the Sigal...

I'm going to give it 3 stars, not because its not a nice museum, it is. Its laid out nicely, the exhibits were what I'd expect there nothing mind blowing. Not much interactive like the reading museum. My biggest issue is they are a bit stuffy. We basically had security (i'm assuming) following us around which was annoying. They weren't rude but still I was trying to enjoy the museum with my adult daughter and It was a little frustrating to have someone kind of in your face at every turn. They have a no book bag rule, and she carries a bag that's similar to a book bag style, ....i'm not sure the reason for the rule but it was also a little obnoxious to have to carry it in our hand because we were trying to take pictures. Also some of the exhibits were not able to be photographed, little things but they take away from the experience. It was not a 5 star museum, The MOMA is a 5 star museum. Reading I gave 4 stars but this one is a 3, the rules and some staff take away from the overall experience. You don't get that many visitors, perhaps loosen the apron strings and let...

Place hasn't changed much from when I went there in public school field trips 30 plus years ago. The staff was irogant , and really made the visit unenjoyable. Which is very inconvenient considering you pay to view the art . The staff is constantly up your backside and really give you no peace or space when you view the artwork. It feels like your in a bad convince store they want you to get your stuff and get out. Really not a good display and promotion to any customer who wants to spend there money to see this mediocre display. How about you show your customers some gratitude for wanting to visit , and not breath down there neck the whole time like a prison warden? I hope management sees my thoughts because again it is the customer who keeps that place open. There is some beautiful and interesting artwork there, but makes me not want to go ever again due to the staff they have working there .art is culture, and the staff is lacking on customer service and promotion of the artwork and the museum. 2 stars based on the artwork, if based on the staff maybe a...