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BYOD: We promise we won’t tell you to put it away

Crystal Bridges knows that the majority of our guests come to the Museum with some kind of mobile device, and we are working hard to offer experiences to those that would like to use their own devices at the Museum.

Although cell service has always been tricky in the building—remember while you are at the museum, you are in a ravine with three-foot-thick concrete walls—we continue to work with the major cell carriers to strengthen our signals, and have achieved some great improvements. However, depending on the carrier, some guests may still experience low signal strength. We would like to remind you that since opening, we have offered a free Wi-Fi network for our guests called “CBMAA Guest,” and there’s no password needed to join.

Six things to consider when using your mobile device:
1. The new mobile version of our website can help you find directions to the Museum and plan your visit. There are even menus to help you decide what you want at Eleven for lunch or dinner.

2. You can download recordings of some of the art talks or lectures that you may have missed and listen to them in front of the artworks they reference. These recordings are available in iTunes U for free. Apple users can get them through the iTunes U app, while other users can get them through the iTunes software, download them on to their computer, and then install them on your mobile device. You can search for “Crystal Bridges” or use this direct link.

3. When you arrive at the Museum, you may want to consider turning off your cellular data to help save battery life. Otherwise devices are prone to continually try to connect, which depletes your battery.

4. Use instant messaging apps to communicate with others in your group while at the Museum.

5. Feel free to use your mobile device to take pictures without a flash (as long as there is no sign indicating that photos are not allowed in that area). If you share those through social media, considering tagging the museum #CrystalBridges. Crystal Bridges employees love to see what our guests are enjoying about the Museum.

6. And don’t forget to download our free mobile app CBMuseum, which offers audio tours as well as a calendar of events. The app is now available on Android as well as Apple devices.

Also published on Crystal Bridges Museum Blog.
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