Pokemon Go Draws Crowds of Players to Museums

▲ The National Mall in Washington, D.C., posted about Pokemon Go on Facebook, welcoming players to visit. (Photo / Screenshot fromthe National Mall in Washington, D.C. fan page)

By Rita

Pokemon Go has taken the world by storm. While there have been some isolated accidents, controversies, and criminal incidents, players often venture to places they would never have gone before just to catch these pocket monsters. What used to be a stationary game now gets people walking around — offering another way to discover the city.

According to the Lonely Planet website,some institutions have even enthusiastically posted signs welcoming players to “catch ‘em all” here — with the added goal of attracting more visitors. Examples include the Sydney Opera House, museums and cultural institutions in Portland, Washington’s national parks, London’s West End, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, all hoping players will explore their venues while playing the game.

We're home to a PokeStop & gym. Catch 'em outside & in our entrance space. (The Warhol is team blue!) #PokemonGo pic.twitter.com/bOlrOQ7Fiu

— Andy Warhol Museum (@TheWarholMuseum) July 12, 2016

▲ The Andy Warhol Museum posted on Twitter, revealing that players can catch a “Machop” inside the museum.

However, some places do not encourage it. For example, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum believes the public should maintain a respectful attitude toward the site; Arlington National Cemetery is another such location. In these more solemn public spaces, players should use their own judgment on whether bringing Pokemon Go is appropriate.