Our local (small city) art museum allows photos, but its a small venue. All the other museums I've been to (including our very good state art museum) in the state have prohibited photography--its been spelled out very clearly on their web sites and at the desks. I found this at other museums in some nearby states also--several in Chattanooga, TN (where I was REALLY tempted to try and sneak one). I did photograph in the Greenville, SC museum though.
First of all I shouldn't have said it was a crime--that's a bit oveblown LOL--its prohibited and has been watched carefully.
BUT---the Mint has revised its 'no photography' it seems. We can now shoot permanent collection and more (I suspect they found it was foolhardy to try and maintain the no shoot policy). And--the Mint's Craft Design Museum is moving to a new venue the first of the year--though the old is architecturally very interesting (but photography hasn't been allowed--and having been a professional crafts artist for years, i do understand the no photos of works which are mostly contemporary). Other museums here may be changing policy also--I'll have to check each to see. There are also at least 2 new museums to open by first of year in Charlotte and the NC State Art Museum is closed for a major revamping, so it will be exciting if I can shoot in all of these.
Diane