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Freedom of panorama in the UK: what you may photograph and publish

Section 62 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 lets you photograph, film and publish buildings, and sculptures, models for buildings and works of artistic craftsmanship that are permanently situated in a public place or in premises open to the public – without infringing their copyright. Two-dimensional works such as murals, posters or paintings are not covered by this exception.

UK freedom of panorama is broad compared with some other countries, but it has clear limits. This guide explains them for photographers, videographers and journalists – and how it differs from other legal questions such as privacy or access to private property.

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At a glance

Law: CDPA 1988, section 62
Covered: Buildings; sculptures, models for buildings, works of artistic craftsmanship
Condition: Permanently situated in a public place or premises open to the public
Not covered: Graphic works such as murals, posters, paintings
Commercial use: Allowed under s.62, including publication of the images

What section 62 allows

Section 62 CDPA applies to buildings and to sculptures, models for buildings and works of artistic craftsmanship, if they are permanently situated in a public place or in premises open to the public. It provides that copyright in such works is not infringed by making a graphic work representing it, making a photograph or film of it, or making a broadcast of a visual image of it – and that copyright is not infringed by issuing copies of such images to the public or communicating them to the public. In practice this means you may photograph a modern building or a public sculpture and publish the picture in a newspaper, online or in a book, including commercially.

What it does not cover

Two-dimensional works

Paintings, murals, street art, posters and photographs are graphic works, not sculptures or buildings. If they are the main subject of your image, their copyright may be infringed. Incidental inclusion in a wider scene may be covered by a separate exception (section 31 CDPA).

Temporary works

The exception requires the work to be permanently situated. Temporary installations, exhibitions and event decorations may not qualify. Check before publishing close-ups of temporary art.

Other rights

Freedom of panorama only concerns copyright. Trade marks, privacy, data protection and property rules still apply – for example to people in the picture or to photography on private land.

Private property

Premises open to the public, such as shopping centres or stations, can still set house rules on photography. Freedom of panorama does not give you a right to enter or to photograph against the owner’s rules.

Freedom of panorama in journalism

For news and features, s.62 is usually unproblematic: a photo of a new stadium, a statue or a landmark building can be published. Where your picture focuses on a mural or a painting, consider other exceptions such as fair dealing for reporting current events (section 30 CDPA, which does not apply to photographs themselves) or ask the rights holder. Credit artists where possible. For your own rights as a photographer, see collecting societies and how to become a press photographer.

Abroad: different rules

Freedom of panorama varies widely across countries. Some European countries limit it to non-commercial use or exclude certain works; some protect architecture strictly. If you publish pictures taken abroad, check the law of that country and the platform where you publish. Our national sites cover local rules in Germany and other countries listed on international press card.

Checklist before you publish

Freedom of panorama answers the copyright question for many photos. Other questions can still arise.

Is the work covered?

Buildings, and sculptures or works of artistic craftsmanship permanently situated in a public place or in premises open to the public, are covered. Paintings, murals, posters and temporary installations usually are not.

Where did you take the photo?

On private premises, the owner can set conditions for photography as a condition of entry – even where copyright would not stop you. Check the visitor rules.

Who else is in the picture?

People, trade marks and private information raise separate issues of privacy, data protection and advertising rules, especially for commercial use.

How will it be used?

Editorial use is usually less problematic than advertising. Stock agencies and advertisers often ask for property or model releases regardless of copyright law.

Typical cases from everyday reporting

How the rules tend to play out in practice. Always consider the specific facts.

Situation	Freedom of panorama?	Points to watch
Photo of a new office tower for a business story	Yes	None on copyright; check for identifiable people in close-up
Statue in a town square in a feature about the town	Yes	Must be permanently situated
Street mural as the main subject of a photo	Usually no	Graphic works are not covered; consider permission or incidental inclusion
Temporary art installation at a festival	Usually no	Not permanent; check organiser and artist terms
Sculpture inside a public museum	Possibly	Premises open to the public, but the museum’s photography rules apply

This overview is general information, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is there freedom of panorama in the UK?

Yes. Section 62 CDPA 1988 allows images of buildings and of sculptures, models for buildings and works of artistic craftsmanship permanently situated in public places or premises open to the public.

Can I sell photos of buildings in the UK?

Copyright in the building does not prevent it under s.62. Other rights, such as trade marks or property rules, may still matter in specific cases.

Does freedom of panorama cover street art?

Generally not. Murals and graffiti are graphic works, which s.62 does not cover.

Can I photograph inside a museum?

Museums are premises open to the public, but they can set house rules. Many artworks inside are graphic works not covered by s.62.

Does freedom of panorama cover people?

No. It is a copyright exception. Privacy and data protection rules apply separately to identifiable people.

Do I need a press card to rely on s.62?

No. The exception applies to everyone.

Can I sell photos of famous buildings as prints or postcards?

Copyright in the building generally does not stop you, thanks to section 62. However, other rights can matter – for example trade marks or the owner’s conditions if you took the photo on their property. For commercial projects, consider legal advice.

Does freedom of panorama apply to drone photos?

The copyright exception does not depend on how the photo was taken. Drone flights, however, are subject to separate aviation and privacy rules – see the drones section of our guide to photography in public places.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.