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DIA Bans Selfie Sticks For 'Protection Of The Art'

DETROIT (WWJ) - A popular smartphone accessory isn't popular at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Like many museums across the country — including the Smithsonian — the DIA has banned the selfie stick.

The simple gadget, which attaches to a mobile phone allowing a broader view or more people in a photo, can be dangerous, according to DIA Public Relations Director Pamela Marcil.

"We do not allow selfie sticks in the DIA; and as you can imagine, our primary concern is protection of the art, so it'll be around for the public to enjoy forever," Marcil said.

So, if you're thinking about busting out the stick to get that killer shot of your face with Henri Matisse's modern art masterwork "Poppies" ... think again.

For now, traditional selfies are still permitted.

"People who take selfies and just hold it at arm's length, I don't think there's damage to that," Marcil said, "but we would want people to be very mindful of where they're standing. So, if they're standing like a foot away from a painting and take a selfie, somebody falls or something or gets off-balance, that could be very damaging."

For fancier photogs, Marcil said a ban on tripods and the like remains in effect.

In general, all visiting the DIA are asked to use common sense and be courteous to others there to see the art; and, for the most part, Marcil says, patrons are good about that.

"Most people who come to the museum love it and they respect the art and pretty much have the common sense to know when they might be imperiling the art," she said.

[Get DIA hours and information here].

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