Venue Entry Screening

• A “clear container” policy is in effect at the Amphitheater and all other venues during the Summer Assembly. This means that if your bag is larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″, it must be see-through. We are sorry, but mesh bags do not allow us to see the contents well enough. Bags must be clear. Patrons are welcome to bring backpacks, diaper bags or other totes to Chautauqua Institution to facilitate their visit. Still, if they want access to a specific venue, they must abide by the clear container policy. Solid containers for personal items, like a wallet or a glasses case, are permitted in venues if each item is smaller than 4.5″ x 6.5”.
• For our guests who use mobility scooters, please ensure that any containers in your baskets abide by these restrictions.
• Weapons are not allowed. Sharp crafting items such as knitting needles are not considered weapons under this policy. They are permitted.
• Umbrellas are allowed in our venues, but you may be asked to open one during security screening.
• Seat cushions are allowed in our venues. If your seat cushion has pockets, they must be empty.
• Water bottles are allowed in our venues, but they must contain water only. Unclear water bottles with large tops may be subject to “shaking” for weapons screening.
• Chautauqua Institution’s security planning varies for each event. Screening tools at a venue include visual screening, handheld “wand” screening, walk-through weapons detection systems and random bag searches.