No more selfie sticks at the Smithsonian

Tourists use a selfie stick on the Trocadero Square, with  the Eiffel Tower in background, in Paris, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015. Selfie sticks have become enormously popular among tourists because you don't have to ask strangers to take your picture, and unlike hand-held selfies, you can capture a wider view without showing your arm. But some people find selfie sticks obnoxious, arguing that they detract from the travel experience. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)
Tourists use a selfie stick on the Trocadero Square, with the Eiffel Tower in background, in Paris, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015. Selfie sticks have become enormously popular among tourists because you don’t have to ask strangers to take your picture, and unlike hand-held selfies, you can capture a wider view without showing your arm. But some people find selfie sticks obnoxious, arguing that they detract from the travel experience. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

WASHINGTON — Sorry selfie stick fans visiting Smithsonian museums. You’ll just have to use your arm.

Effective March 3, monopod selfie sticks are banned for safety reasons at museums and gardens. This is in addition to the policy already banning tripods.

The ban shouldn’t come as a surprise. In February, the Hirshhorn and National Gallery of Art announced the devices weren’t allowed. Safety of both the artwork and visitors were cited as reasons.

Selfie sticks helps the user not only take pictures with more people, but include more background images.

In a news release, the Smithsonian said it still encourages visitors to take pictures of themselves the old fashioned way.

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