Is it ok to take pictures in Auschwitz? Can you take selfie?

A trip to visit Auschwitz in Oświęcim is one of the most popular excursions from Krakow. Many visitors to one of the most frequently visited museums in this part of Europe wonder if it’s allowed to take photos in Auschwitz. Can you take pictures in Auschwitz? Can you take selfies? Many people wonder whether it’s appropriate or even allowed to take pictures in Auschwitz. Here’s what you need to know about photography rules and etiquette at this historic site.

Can You Take Pictures in Auschwitz?

To find a clear answer to this question, it’s best to review the visiting regulations of the Auschwitz Museum, available on the official website — the same place where you buy tickets or reserve free entry passes to Auschwitz https://visit.auschwitz.org/?lang=en.

In Paragraph 3. Prohibitions, it states that photography and filming are prohibited inside buildings with the use of flash or tripods. Photography is also banned in specific areas, such as Block 4, Room No. 5, and the basements of Block 11. In all other areas, photography is not prohibited, meaning it is allowed.

Yes, photography is generally allowed in most parts of the Auschwitz Museum, but with some important restrictions and guidelines to respect the solemn nature of the site. Photography is permitted in all outdoor areas, including the iconic entrance gate with the “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign.

Can you take selfies?

The regulations do not explicitly prohibit taking any type of photos. While taking selfies is not directly forbidden, another point in the regulations states:

“Visitors to the grounds of the Museum should behave with due solemnity and respect.”

This point in the visiting regulations leaves significant room for interpretation. It does not explicitly address the issue of taking selfies, similar to the case of visiting in a dress or skirt, where there is no clear guidance on what clothing (except for swimwear) is allowed or prohibited.

However, reading the regulations, it is clear that photography is explicitly prohibited only in two specific areas of the museum.

Read detailed guide on easiest and cheapest ways to get to Auschwitz from Krakow city center.

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