Frequently asked questions

Hours & admission

Can I use my discount admission coupons, Multnomah, Washington,or Clackamas County Library passes, Student ID, Active Military  ID, Veteran status, or Oregon Trail Card for Museum admission?

Yes, discount offers are accepted at the box office. These discounts are not available online.

I’m a Friend level member or above at the Museum. Can my guests use the free guest passes that come with my membership to visit the museum?

Yes, guest passes must be redeemed in person at the Museum. 

Can I purchase or reserve tickets by phone?

We’re unable to sell or reserve tickets by phone. If you have a Disability Access Request and are unable to reserve tickets online please contact us on our Disability Access line at (503) 276-4284 or via email at access@pam.org.

I bought or reserved my ticket ahead of time. Do I still need to check in or wait in line at the box office?

Yes, all Museum tickets must be presented to the box office to verify for entry.

How will my tickets be delivered?

Tickets ordered online will be delivered via email. Once your transaction has finished, you will be given a summary of your order with a link to print out your e-Ticket. Please print your e-ticket or download the barcode(s) to your phone for admission

I’m a member of another museum that has reciprocal privileges with the Portland Art Museum through the Western Reciprocal (WR) or Museum Alliance Reciprocal (MARP) programs. Can I reserve my free tickets online?

Your reciprocal privileges must be presented  in person at the Museum, as we are currently unable to process these discounts online.

Your visit

Are all galleries open for viewing?

Open galleries and exhibitions are listed on our exhibitions page.

What are the accessibility accommodations at the Museum?

All Museum galleries, rest rooms, and drinking fountains are wheelchair accessible. The access ramp for both wheelchairs and strollers is located at the Hoffman entrance by the Museum Shop on the north side of the main building. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

When are the least crowded times to visit the Museum?

Weekday afternoons are the least busy times for visiting the galleries.

What’s the best option for parking around the Museum?

The Museum doesn’t have a designated parking area for visitors and does not validate parking. The rate for metered street parking around the Museum is $2/hour. The closest Smart Park pay-to-park lot is located at SW 10th and Yamhill.

See our Accessibility page for information on designated accessibility parking.

What’s the best public transportation option?

Plan your trip at trimet.org. There is a MAX stop convenient to the Museum, and the TriMet Bus Mall is 3 blocks away.

Is there a place to purchase food or drinks?

We don’t sell food at the museum, but there are many walkable options. 

Is photography allowed in the Museum?

Photography is allowed except where indicated. Visitors to the Museum are welcome to take photographs or video for personal, noncommercial use. Photography may be restricted as indicated by a “no camera” symbol on the gallery wall. Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and flash lighting are prohibited at all times. Please be mindful of other visitors while taking photographs in the galleries.

Getting member tickets

How do I get lecture or admission tickets?

Museum admission and lecture tickets are available in person at the Museum’s box office or from the ticket page.

For Museum Admission:

  1. Select your preferred date and time for General Admission on the calendar
  2. Enter the number of tickets you’d like to reserve in the “Member” category
  3. Click the “add to cart” button in the bottom left corner of the screen. Be sure to sign in to receive your member discount.

For tickets to lectures or other public museum events:

  1. Find the lecture or event by date on the calendar itself
  2. Access future months by clicking the abbreviated month above the week days at the top
  3. Click title of the event
  4. Click the Purchase tickets or Reserve tickets
  5. Enter the quantity of tickets you would like in the “Member” category

Check our events calendar for a list of Museum lectures and events. Members often receive free or reduced admission, so be sure to sign in as a member to receive any applicable member discounts. 

How do I sign up for a member event?

Check our events calendar for descriptions of upcoming member events. Many member event invites are sent by email, so make sure to provide us with a current email address in order to receive exclusive member invitations. Member event tickets are also available in person at the Museum’s box office.

Why is it charging me too much for tickets if I’m a member?

To receive member rates, you must be signed in to our website. Check the upper right hand corner, if your email is listed here, you are currently signed in.  Your discount will be applied once the tickets are in your cart. The discounted rate can be seen under “total,” (the “Price” heading will still reflect the full value of the tickets).

I’m signed in—why is it still charging me for one of my tickets?

If your email is listed in the upper right:

  1. Choose the number of tickets in the Member ticket category
  2. Verify your ticket type under Description says “member” (not adult, student, or senior)

If your ticket doesn’t say “member” in the description:

  1. Go back to the ticket page
  2. Enter the quantity of tickets you want in the member category
  3. Click Remove to get rid of the tickets you don’t want.

If you’re signed in, have member category tickets in your cart, and are still being charged full price, contact the Membership department at 503-276-4249 or membership@pam.org for assistance.

Can I get tickets for someone else who also has a membership?

Your online registration applies to your membership only and will only permit the number of tickets that your membership level allows.

I am a Friend level member or above of the Museum. Can my guests use the free guest passes that come with my membership to visit the museum?

Yes, however, guest passes must be redeemed in person at the Museum as we are unable to accept any discounts or coupons online at this time.

How can I get tickets for multiple things at once?

To get tickets for multiple events

  1. Add tickets to your cart
  2. Click Continue shopping
  3. Click the shopping cart icon to return to your cart at any time

How will my tickets be delivered?

Tickets ordered online will be delivered via email. Once your transaction has finished, you will be given a summary of your order with a link to print out your e-Ticket. Please print your e-ticket or download the barcode(s) to your phone for admission

How do I cancel or reschedule a ticket?

Tickets can be canceled or rescheduled by Guest Services. To reach Guest Services, call the Museum’s main line at 503-226-2811, or visit our box office in person.

Can I purchase or reserve tickets by phone?

We can’t currently sell or reserve any tickets (including free ticket reservations for members) by phone. If you have a Disability Access Request and are unable to reserve tickets online please contact us on our Disability Access line at (503) 276-4284 or via email at access@pam.org.

My member account

How do I view my membership details such as level, expiration date, and reciprocal membership privileges?

These membership details are not available on the website at this time. To get this information, call the membership office at 503-276-4249 or email us at membership@pam.org.

Can I change my username email and/or password?

To change your password, click on your email address, which will appear in the upper right hand corner once you are signed in. You may then enter your current password and submit a new one. To change the email you use to sign in, call the membership office at 503-276-4249 or email us at membership@pam.org.

Can I update my address/email/phone number online?

The website is currently unable to update member contact info online. To update your information with us, call the membership office at 503-276-4249 or email us at membership@pam.org.

Renewing or purchasing membership

How do I renew or purchase a membership?

You can renew or purchase a membership by phone at 503-276-4249 or by mailing a check to the following address:

Portland Art Museum
Attn: Membership
1219 SW Park Ave.
Portland, OR 97205

To renew or purchase a membership online:

  1. Click Support from the homepage
  2. Select Membership from the list on the right
  3. Click Renew (or Join, if you’re a new member)
  4. Choose the 1 or 2 year option
  5. Enter the names as you’d like them to appear on your membership cards
  6. Leave Name on card 2 blank for guest cards
  7. Click Add to cart
  8. Fill out your personal information
  9. Click Checkout to continue to pay

Can I set my membership to renew automatically each year?

Yes! To sign up for our Auto Renewal program, give us a call at (503) 276-4249.

Can I pay for my membership in monthly installments instead of all at once?

Monthly installment plans are available starting at the $160 Friend level for $13.33 a month. To set up a monthly installment plan, call (503) 276-4249.

How many people can I have on a membership, and does it have to be two specific people?

The Individual level membership will admit one person to the museum or museum events as a member. Levels Dual and above are for two adults. You can have two specific names on the membership, or you may choose to have the second person on your membership be listed as “Guest.” A Guest card will then be issued to you in addition to your personal membership card. With the guest card, you can bring anyone you want with you to the museum as a member. Guests must be accompanied by the primary member at admittance.

I was given a discount offer for my renewal. How do I receive this discount online?

If you were given a discount code, you may enter it in the “Discount code” box below the total in your cart, then click “apply” to have the discount applied to your order.  If you are given an error or “discount already applied” message, call the membership office at 503-276-4249.

How do I buy a membership as a gift for someone, and how will the gift be delivered?

To buy a gift membership for someone else:

  1. From the membership page, select the level you would like to give and click “Join or Renew,” then on the following page be sure to check the box for “GIFT MEMBERSHIPS.”
  2. Choose to receive the personalized digital gift letter yourself, or have it emailed directly to the recipient.
  3. After checkout, the gift letter will be delivered automatically via email.
  4. Permanent membership materials will arrive by mail 2-3 weeks after purchase.

Need more info? Not sure if your gift’s recipient is already a member? Contact our Membership Department at 503-276-4249 or membership@pam.org (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.)

Digital membership cards

When will I receive my digital membership cards? 

Members will receive an email with instructions on how to download a digital membership card within two weeks of joining or renewing their membership.

I received the digital card email, but how do I download my digital card?

Need help installing your digital card? Check out our digital card Frequently Asked Questions. Still having trouble with your digital card? E-mail us at membership@cuseum.com

I don’t have a mobile phone or device to present my digital card on, what can I do?

You can still visit the Museum anytime by showing your photo ID at the Box Office to verify your membership status. Contact the Membership Department by calling us at (503) 276-4249, or emailing membership@pam.org for further information.

What if I lose, delete or don’t have my digital card?

You can still visit the Museum anytime by showing your photo ID at the Box Office to verify your membership status. If you need a replacement digital card, please contact the Membership Department by calling us at (503) 276-4249, or emailing membership@pam.org.

How do I access the back of my digital card?

In most cases, you can click on the three dots in the upper right corner of your card to view the back of your digital card.  If you continue to have issues, please contact the Membership Department by calling us at (503) 276-4249, or emailing membership@pam.org.

Will my digital card update when I renew my membership?

Yes! You only need to download your card once. After your membership renewal has been fully processed and if automatic updates are turned on in your smart wallet app, your digital card will automatically update with your new expiration date and any name changes you requested. The settings in your phone’s wallet may need to be adjusted to allow for automatic updates. Please allow up to a week for processing.

How will my reciprocal benefits work when visiting other museums?

Digital membership cards for Friend level and above will display the Western Reciprocal and MARP logos as proof of participation in the reciprocal programs. Simply show your digital membership card on your phone or device at participating museums to receive free or reduced admission!

My name is spelled wrong/membership level is incorrect.

Contact the Membership Department by calling us at (503) 276-4249, or email membership@pam.org for further information.

General questions

When did the Museum open?

Founded in 1892, the Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the United States and the oldest in the Pacific Northwest.

How big is the collection?

The Museum’s collection of 46,000 objects reflects the history of art from ancient times to today. The collection is distinguished for its holdings of arts of the native peoples of North America; modern and contemporary art; Asian and American art; photographs, prints, and drawings; and English silver.

How can I find out the value of a work of art I own?

The Museum cannot perform appraisals, but the following list of accredited appraisal organizations is the best way to begin your search.

You may also contact an appraiser from this compiled list. Please note this list is for your convenience and does not constitute an endorsement of any business.

How can I learn more about a work of art in my personal collection?

Museum staff does not conduct research on artwork in personal collections. For the safety of your personal artwork, please do not bring it to the museum.