An effective shield for the dc fringing fields produced by a large-bore, high field magnet intended for imaging and in vivo spectroscopy is presented. While limiting the extent of fringe fields, the shield has little effect on the homogeneity of the central field of the magnet. The effect of institutional safety policies as well as the exigencies of patient access in a hospital environment are emphasized as influences on the planning of an in vivo NMR installation.