Smithsonian museums ban selfie sticks

The museum says visitors can continue taking 'selfies', but they have to leave the ugly sticks outside

WASHINGTON: They have helped take the dubious art of the selfie to a whole new level. But now -- in what will be a relief to some and derided by others -- Washington's top museums say selfie sticks are banned, in a growing trend among visitor centers in the United States to outlaw the devices.

"For the safety of our visitors and collections, the Smithsonian prohibits the use of tripods or monopods in our museums and gardens. Effective today, March 3, monopod selfie sticks are included in this policy," Smithsonian said in a statement.

Our policy on #selfie sticks, TLDR version: Take those selfies but leave the stick in your bag http://t.co/597nfEyZmm pic.twitter.com/0oH5aS7B1N

— Smithsonian (@smithsonian) March 3, 2015

"This is a preventive measure to protect visitors and objects, especially during crowded conditions. We encourage museum visitors to take selfies and share their experiences -- and leave the selfie sticks in their bags."

The Smithsonian consists of 19 world-class museums and galleries, drawing tens of millions visitors a year.