LOCATION
Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art
Hamilton College
198 College Hill Road
Clinton, NY 13323
OPEN HOURS
Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and College Holidays.*
The Wellin Museum will be closed Saturday, December 21, 2024 through Wednesday, January 1, 2025 for Hamilton College's Holiday Shutdown. We look forward to reopening in 2025 on Thursday, January 2.
FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE
FAQs:
Q: What is the cost of admission and is there a fee for events and programs?
A: Entry to the Wellin Museum is free and there is no charge to attend programs.
Q: What are the museum hours and how often do they change?
A: Museum hours are updated regularly on our visit page under location and hours. Please note, open hours change throughout the academic year and the museum is closed to the public for a period of the summer.
Q: Where can I park?
A: There are several parking spots right outside the museum and additional visitor parking located behind the Kennedy Center for Theatre and Studio Arts. Please consult the campus map for specific locations.
Q: What am I allowed to bring into the museum?
A: Dry coats may be worn in all areas of the museum. Coats tied around the waist are considered worn. If not worn, coats must be placed in the coat rack area to the right of the museum’s main entrance and cannot be carried. Pencils, notebooks, and sketch pads no larger than 18 x 24 inches are welcome in the museum. Use of pens, markers, and paints are not permitted in the museum galleries. Umbrellas, backpacks, and any bags larger than 11 x 17 inches are not permitted in areas where artwork is on view and must be stored in the coat rack. Please note, the museum is not responsible for personal property.
Q: Is photography allowed in the museum?
A: Photography without a flash is permitted and encouraged throughout the museum. Flash photography, tripods, and video cameras are not permitted in the museum without prior consent. Please contact the Wellin Safety Office at 315-859-4826 or mjeffery@hamilton.edu to request special access.
Q: Is there anything else I should know about photography in the museum? What is the museum’s policy regarding documenting events and visits?
A: Visitors may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded. By visiting, visitors grant the museum permission to use photographs and/or audiovisual recordings in which visitors appear for archival, documentary, publicity, or other purposes.
Q: What is meant by the phrase "museum etiquette"?
A: In order to ensure the safety of artworks and artifacts on view, visitors are cautioned not to touch objects on display as they can be easily damaged. Keep cell phones on silent so as not to disturb other visitors. Walk—don't run—in the museum. Please do not lean on walls or display cases, either to write or for physical support.
Q: Is there a place to eat at the museum?
A: The museum does not have a dedicated eating area. Food, gum, and beverages, including water bottles and thermoses, are not allowed in areas where artwork is on view including the Dietrich Exhibition Gallery, the Object Study Gallery, and the Seminar Rooms. Beverages, preferably in covered containers, are permitted in the Overlook classroom (reserved for regularly-scheduled Hamilton College classes) and the second floor lounge. Wrapped cold snacks are allowed in the second floor lounge.
Q: Are pets allowed inside the museum?
A: Animals are not permitted in the museum. Service animals are permitted in public areas of the museum with prior approval and must be clearly identified. Please contact the Wellin Safety Office at 315-859-4826 or mjeffery@hamilton.edu to arrange access.
Q: Do you offer guided tours for groups from the community?
A: Guided tours led by student docents or museum staff can be arranged depending on availability. Please contact the museum at 315-859-4396 or wellin@hamilton.edu for more information and to schedule a visit. Drop-in, self-guided visits to the museum are welcome during the museum's open hours listed at the top of this page. Please be aware that museum spaces may be occupied with a pre-arranged program during your self-guided visit.
Q: I'm a college professor. Can I plan a visit for my class?
A: The Wellin welcomes groups and classes from universities and colleges. Guided tours are available with at least two weeks advance notice. For Hamilton College faculty who wish to arrange a visit, please see our Faculty Resources page. For groups from other colleges and universities, please contact the museum at 315-859-4396 or wellin@hamilton.edu.
Q: I’m a K-12 school teacher. Can I plan a visit for my class?
A: Yes, our education staff would be delighted to organize a visit for your class. See our K-12 School Visits page for more information or submit a K-12 School Visit Request online.
Q: My group is arriving on a bus. Is there parking provided for our bus?
A: School and tour buses may unload and pick up passengers next to the parking area of the museum. After visitors disembark, buses will be directed to park at the North Lot located on Campus Road. Please contact the museum at 315-859-4396 or wellin@hamilton.edu to arrange a visit.
Q: What is WellinWorks?
A: WellinWorks is a free, educational, interactive space accompanying select exhibitions. It is open to the public and offers visitors creative forms of engagement with the art. This is a space in which visitors are encouraged to touch and engage with themes introduced in the companion exhibition.
Q: Can I visit with a young child?
A: Yes. The best way to begin your museum visit with children is to hang up your coats and
put away any umbrellas and bags in the coat check. Walk—don't run—in the museum. Use indoor voices. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Check out our events and offerings for families with young children on the Youth and Family section of our website.
Q: Are strollers allowed in the galleries?
A: Yes, strollers are permitted in the galleries. The museum has two umbrella strollers that may be requested from Wellin Safety for public use in the museum. Children may not be carried on the shoulders of another person or in a backpack child carrier. Baby wraps or carriers worn in the front are permitted.
Q: How can I stay informed about openings, programs, and other news from the museum?
A: Please sign up for our mailing list! We’d be happy to keep in touch.
Contact: For questions regarding visitor policies, please contact the Wellin Safety Office at 315-859-4826 or mjeffery@hamilton.edu. Thank you and enjoy your visit.