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It's 2015 and selfie sticks are a thing.
Nonetheless, they'll join tripods and camera stands on the list of banned items at the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C.
According to the Associated Press, the museum recently banned handheld camera mounts used for taking photographs, otherwise known as selfie sticks. The new policy is not only designed to protect the valuable artwork on display, but to keep visitors out of harm's way, according to a museum spokeswoman.
Meanwhile, Smithsonian spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas says that institution officials plan to develop an extensive selfie stick policy that will apply to other museums as well.
However, St. Thomas notes that art museums always tend to be more concerned about photography and photo equipment than others given the value of the contents on display.
But the nation's capital isn't the only city cracking down on selfie sticks, though. According to the Observer's Molly Shilo, New York City's Museum of Modern Art has also formally banned the device.
"It has long been a policy that visitors may only use handheld devices to take photos, without any camera extension devices. We have simply added selfie-sticks to this policy, which is in place to ensure the safety of our visitors and the Museum's works of art," said a representative of the museum.
Presumably the trend of banning selfie sticks will continue as they become more prevalent among travelers and tourists.
Therefore, travelers hoping to document their museum trips from several feet away would be wise to leave their newest camera accessory at home.
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