Very nice! Thanks for posting. I went through the National Gallery of Art about 3 weeks ago, for the first time since I was about 6, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Even with the surly security guards at the front who forbade me from wearing my little black rucksack. I could carry it, but not wear it. Sad that such crabby people work surrounded by such beautiful stuff.
I love the NGA. I may even have spent more time in there than in the Met even though the Met is much closer to me.
I think the thing about your rucksack has a practical reason. They are worried about people absentmindedly turning around while in front of a painting and damaging the painting with the rucksack. I don't ever recall the NGA staff being rude or crabby to me. (VERY unusual for a collection of government employees!)
ML/NJ
I am a docent in a museum. The rules may seem arbitrary and unnecessary, but it is very easy for someone to forget where they are or how close they are standing to a painting or artifact. If they turn quickly or accidentally trip, etc., they could destroy, or at the very least, damage a priceless piece. Children are especially “dangerous.” They forget where they are and push their friends, take off running, etc., and can do some real damage. You have to watch them every minute!
National Gallery is a wonderful museum. I grew up in NY, never liked the Met.