Accessibility

Access contact information

Portland Art Museum is committed to making the museum accessible for all visitors. Please contact us if you have questions or would like to make an individualized access plan before your visit.

Our Head of Accessibility, Becky Emmert, is a Disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent individual who is a member of the Deaf Community. She is always happy to answer questions, receive feedback, and partner to develop an individualized access plan.

Email: access@pam.org
Phone: 503-276-4284
Videophone: 503-420-3169 (for Deaf visitors)

Purchasing tickets

• Ticket purchasing: Tickets can be purchased online or at the admissions desk. If these processes aren’t accessible to you, please contact our access email or phone line for assistance.
• Admission access programs: Reduced ticket prices are available for visitors through our Admission Access Programs.
• Complimentary companion tickets: Access companions and care-providers accompanying Disabled visitors receive free admission. They can be requested at the admissions desk or requested in advance by emailing or calling and giving us your name, contact info, date/time of your ticket, and request a companion ticket and we will reserve one that will be waiting for you at the admission desk.

Getting to and around the Museum

TriMet Lift

The best place for drop off and pick up is in front of the museum entrance 1219 SW Park Ave Portland, OR 97205

TriMet Lines

The museum is located near the following stops and lines:

• The Art Museum stop (6493) on the NS and A loop streetcar lines.
• The SW 11 and Jefferson (10759) stop on the NS and B loop streetcar lines.
• The SW 10th and Jefferson bus stop (3049) serving lines 6, 38, 45, 55, 58, 68.

Parking

• There are three accessible metered parking spaces on Park Ave – two near the entrance and one near the entrance to the Mark Building. They have a 2-hour limit.
• There are two metered accessible parking spaces on the west side of the museum on 10th Avenue with a 4-hour limit. 
• The paid parking lot next to the museum at the intersection of Park and Main has four accessible parking spaces. Prices in the lot vary and at times the kiosk is turned off which means the Reef Mobile App must be used to pay.

Accessible entrances

The new Rothko Pavilion offers accessible entrances from both Park Ave and 10th Ave that include wave activated automatic doors. There is also a wave activated automatic door into Coquelico Cafe off of 10th Street. There are curb cuts at each corner of the museum campus.

Elevators

All galleries are accessible via elevator. There are four elevators that connect the galleries across the campus. Please see the map for detailed directions. 

• The Native American galleries are only accessible via elevator C, 2R and 3R. 
• The Finley Studio, Silver Youth and Community Gallery, and Print Galleries are only accessible via elevator C, 0R.
• The Whitsell Auditorium can only be accessed via elevator B, Floor 0.
• The Black Art and Experience Galleries are only accessible via Elevator A, floor 1.

In the event an elevator malfunctions please hold the call button until it connects to our Control Room – which can take up to 3 minutes. Protection Services Officers will come assist you immediately.

In the event of an emergnecy, please do not use the elevators. Trained staff and emergency responders will assist with stair chair evacuations.

Admissions access considerations

Service animals

Service animals are welcome at PAM. Please contact us if you would like to plan your visit in advance. We ask that pets and emotional support animals do not come inside the museum.

Photosensitivity notices

Here is a current list of works on view that could trigger photosensitivity.

Lockers

Self-serve lockers, including accessible lockers are available by coatcheck. They have combination locks that allow you to set your own combination. If you have any challenges accessing them staff will be happy to assist.

Backpacks

Small backpacks are welcome. Large backpacks may be checked in the lockers or worn on your chest (to avoid backing into artwork).

Drinks

Waterbottles with closed lids are allowed in the gallery. Please drink away from the artwork. Other drinks can be consumed in the Pavilion by the Admission desk and in the Coquelcio Cafe.

Complimentary mobility devices and assistive technology

Manual wheelchairs

Manual wheelchairs are available free of charge. We currently have 8 wheelchairs. They are generally available without a reservation. 

If you would like to reserve one to ensure availability please use the information below to determine which item would best meet your needs, then email or call us with your name, date and time of visit, and the item you are requesting. We will put the reservation in our internal system and our Visitor Services Associates will have it ready for you when you check in at the box office.

Please note that if you do not come at the scheduled time and we are busy, we may need to allow another visitor to use the reserved wheelchair. We will provide one for you as soon as possible.

We also have folding gallery stools and chairs that can be requested at the Admissions Desk.

Wheelchair sizes

• Youth: 125 lb capacity
• Adult small, type 1: 250 lb capacity, seat 16” wide x 15” deep
• Adult small, type 2: 300 lb capacity, seat 16” wide x 16” deep
• Adult Medium, type 1: 250 lb capacity, seat 18” wide x 15 ½” deep
• Adult Medium, type 2: 300 lb capacity, seat 18” wide x 16” deep
• Adult Large, type 1: 250 lb capacity, seat 18” wide x 18” deep
• Adult Large, type 2: 300 lb capacity, seat 20” wide x 16” deep
• Adult X Large: 500 lb capacity, seat 23 ½” wide x 17” deep

Assistive technology at admissions desk

EnChroma glasses

These glasses help some people with red/green colorblindness increase vision of these colors by about 30%. We have glasses in adult and youth sizes and have pairs that can fit over regular glasses.

Flashlight

Keychain flashlight approved for use in reading labels in galleries.

Headphones

2 pairs of Shokz bluetooth bone conduction headphones that can be used with the iPads. They can also be used to provide live captions on tours.

iPads

2 iPads in cases with shoulder straps and rotating handles. They have a variety of apps including those for translation, captions, videophone, magnification, blind access, etc. Please feel free to turn on accessibility settings to fit your needs.

Keyboard

Bluetooth keyboard that can connect to iPads for communication with admissions desk staff.

Magnifiers

• 1 full page 5X magnificaiton sheet with handles
• 2 full page 3X magnification sheets (7”x10.5”)
• 3 bookmark size 3x magnfiication sheets
• 1 handheld stronger magnifier with a built in light

Blind and Low Vision access

Audio guides

The Bloomberg Connects app is a free app that provides free digital guides to museums, galleries, gardens, public art, festivals, historic sites, and more, expanding access to the arts and culture around the world. The Portland Art museum is one of the first museums in the Pacific Northwest to join over 200 other museums in launching the Bloomberg Connects app.

The audio guides have accompanying transcripts. Content can be accessed virtually any time. Please reach out if you have any additional access requests related to the app.

Tactile art

We are working to expand our tactile graphics. Currently, tactile graphics are only displayed in the galleries when the original object is on display. Those not currently on display are brought out during First Free Thursdays, Miller Family Free Days, and other special events.

Tactile graphics on view

South Wing, 2nd Floor, Native American Gallery

Beaded flat bag of two bears scratching a tree

Accessible digital labels

Most special exhibitions will have accessible digital labels posted on the special exhibition webpage. This will include the content of all object labels and wall text. These can be found on the Exhibition Webpages under Resources. These are typically available about 1 month after the exhibition opens. A list of current and past labels can be found at https://labels.pam.org/.

Image descriptions

We provide image descriptions whenever possible. They can be found with the accessible labels on the exhibition webpages. Past exhibitions can be found at https://labels.pam.org/. If you would like a description of a specific work that hasn’t been written yet please contact us.

Cafe access

The cafe has a QR code that links to an accessible menu.

Shop and Rental Sales Gallery access

If you would like assistance shopping please reach out in advance. Our Head of Accessiblity is happy to provide guiding and descriptions.

Programs and events

If you would like guiding or audio description at an event or program please reach out in advance.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing access

• All media on display will have captions or transcripts available. If they are not displayed in the gallery, please ask at the admissions desk.
• Bloomberg Connects Audio Guides have full transcripts.
• Public programs have automated real time captioning. CART and TypeWell is available with advance request.
• Public programs have assistive listening devices available that are T-coil compatible and have headphones for those without hearing aids.
• Public programs have American Sign Language/English interpreters unless none are available on that date.
• Access questions can be asked in ASL by leaving a message on our videophone. Our Head of Accessibility, Becky Emmert, is hard of hearing and fluent in ASL. She will call back as soon as possible. 503-420-3169
• Deaf Community and their guests receive free admission on the 3rd Sunday of each month during Art in ASL. Look with Me tours take place every 30 minutes between 12-3 on these days. Some sessions are led in ASL by Deaf guides and some in English – all have interpreting. Artmaking led in ASL takes place in the Finley Studio from 3-5 on most Art in ASL days.

Neurodivergent access

Nursing/Rest space

A private, locking nursing/rest space is available in the North Wing, Floor 1M. It has a changing table, rocking chair, booster seat, play mat, step stool, sink, mirror, wipes, kleenex, toys, and a prayer mat.

Sensory spaces

There are multiple spaces throughout the museum that have lower stimuli. If you are attending an event in the Mark Building and need a sensory space just ask staff to direct you to the nearest quiet space.

• South Wing, Lower Level, Gallery 006
• South Wing, First Floor, Galleries 102, 103, 104, 105
• South Wing, Fourth Floor, Gallery 402
• Rothko Pavilion, Second Floor – Outdoor Terrace and hallway seating
• Rothko Pavilion, Fourth Floor – Outdoor Terrace and gallery seating
• North Wing, First Floor – Black Art and Experiences CREATE Space
• North Wing, 1M – Nursing/Rest Space

Sensory tools

We welcome visitors to use noise canceling headphones, sunglasses, hats, fidgets, and other tools. We hope to provide sensory bags in the near future.

Social narrative

We are working on developing a new social narrative that reflects our completed renovation. Please reach out if you have questions.

Programs and events

Please ask staff if you need a sensory space during an event or program.

Restrooms and amenities

Rothko Pavilion Floor 0

All gender restroom with a bank of individual stalls and two large accessible restrooms – one at each end – with a wave activated door, baby changing station, and adult sized motorized changing station. Located between the steps and Elevator B on Floor 0.

Rothko Pavilion First Floor

• All gender individual stalls and a large accessible restroom with a wave activated door, baby changing station, and adult sized motorized changing station. Located across from coat check.
• All gender restroom with individual stalls and a large accessible restroom. Located behind the Shop at PAM.

North Wing 1M

Gendered restrooms with multiple stalls including an accessible stall. The main restroom doors are wave to open.

Rothko Pavilion Second Floor

All gender restroom with a bank of individual stalls and a large accessible restroom with a wave activated door, baby changing station, and adult sized motorized changing station. Located across from the elevator on Floor 2.

Rothko Pavilion Fourth Floor

Single user restroom that is accessible with a manual door.

Water fountains

• South Wing, Floor 0, near restrooms
• South Wing, First Floor, near restrooms by Coat Check
• South Wing, Second Floor, near restrooms
• North Wing, 1M near restrooms

Event and Program accessibility

• Unless noted, all event spaces are wheelchair accessible. Please notify staff of where you’d like to sit and we will prepare a space.
• Reserved seating near the stage is always available. 
• ASL/English interpreters are provided for public programs unless none are avialable. Feel free to request one in advance to confirm they will be available.
• Automated real time captioning is available for public programs. If you would like CART or TypeWell please request in advance. Corrected transcripts can be requested at each event.
• Assisted Listening Devices are available – they are T-Coil compatible and have headphones for those without hearing aids.
• Audio description is available with advance request.
• Physical guiding is available with advance request.
• Each program calendar event page will outline the accessibility planned and provide instructions for how to make requests. If one doesn’t, please feel free to contact us and we will update the page.
• If you have any other access requests for a specific event please contact us.
• Please see the Tomorrow Theater website for information about accessibility at that location.

Access tours

Most accessibility focused guided tours, including artNOW, Sensing Art, and Art for All have been paused during construction and have not restarted yet. If you would like to be added to the email list to be notified when these tours start again please let us know.

We welcome individuals and groups to visit independently. If you have questions or would like assistance gathering resources before your visit please reach out via email or phone. 

Look with Me

Sessions take place every Sunday from 12-3 – sessions starting every half hour. They provide an opportunity to explore art together. All are welcome in these 20-minute sessions that focus on a single work of art. Slow down, share perspectives, and connect with others through conversation with our volunteer guides. Please see the calendar for information on each session. Free with museum admission.

Art in ASL – 3rd Sunday of every month

Deaf Community members enjoy complimentary admission and are invited to join Look with Me sessions, some of which are facilitated in American Sign Language. All sessions will have American Sign Language/English interpreting available. Please see the calendar for more information.

Access at the Mark Building

This building was constructed in 1927 as a Masonic Temple and renovated in 1992 to provide additional gallery space, event and meeting spaces, and administrative offices. Adaptations have been made to make the building accessible.

Entrance

Access the curb cut with truncated domes at Park Ave and Main St and follow the sidewalk South, past the main stairs. There is a break in the planters that links to the sidewalk that leads to the doors.

The main doors are large, heavy manual glass doors. If these are not accessible to you, please ring the doorbell that is mounted on the wall by the construction fence at the Southeast corner of the building. Protection Services staff will come out and either guide you in the side door or open the main door for you.

Rooms and elevators

• The Library is located on the ground floor to the right of the security desk.
• The Fred and Suzanne Fields Ballroom is located below the ground floor and can be accessed by carpeted stairs to the left of the security desk, carpeted stairs at the end of the hall by the restrooms, or by the wheelchair lift also by the restrooms. In the event that the wheelchair lift malfunctions, staff can guide you through the kitchen to the freight elevator.
• There are two elevators across from the security desk. These go to floors 2 (West Conference Rooms), 3 (Kridel Grand Ballroom), and 4 (Gordon D. Sonland and Katherine J. Durant Trustee Room). The Kridel Grand Ballroom has a wheelchair lift onto the stage.

Restrooms

All restrooms should have a stool under the sink.

• 1st Floor: There are gendered, multi-stall restrooms on the ground floor at the end of the hall to the right of the security desk. The manual doors should be propped open. Both have accessible stalls.
• 3rd Floor: There are large, gendered, multi-stall restrooms in the hall to the right of the elevator. The doors should be propped open and both have accessible stalls.
• 4th Floor: There are all gender restrooms in the hallway outside the lobby to the right of the Trustee room. The hallway door is unlocked during event periods.
• Green Room: There is an accessible single-user restroom with a shower in the green room.
• Water fountains: There are currently no water fountains in the Mark Building. Please see the security desk if water is needed urgently.

Access at Rental Sales Gallery

• There are curb cuts with truncated domes at both ends of the block on SW 10th (at Jefferson and Main). 
• The sidewalk is accessible and other than people, there are not usually any items on the sidewalk. 
• There are manual glass doors to enter the space which is all on the first floor and wheelchair accessible.
• Art is displayed in various positions and staff and volunteers are available to assist if art of interest isn’t within your view.
• If you would like interpreting, captioning, guiding, or audio description for Rental Sales Gallery events just contact us.

Access at PAM CUT

Parking

• The closest accessible parking spot is on SW Salmon at the intersection with Park Ave. 
• The second closest is located on SW 10th Ave between Main and Jefferson St. 
• The third is located on SW Taylor Street between SW Park Ave and SW Broadway.

Entrance

• There are curb cuts at both ends of the block on Salmon. 
• The sidewalk near the entrance is uneven and sometimes has people or objects on it. There is a steep, short, ramp into the main door. The door is often locked, please ring the doorbell when you arrive.

Restrooms

There are two accessible, single-user, all gender restrooms available on the first floor.

Lobby and classrooms

The lobby and classrooms on the first floor are wheelchair accessible. The lobby is decorated with bright colors including a hot pink couch, metallic wallpaper, and other brightly colored art.

Program and Class access

Please contact PAM CUT to request interpreters, captioning, audio description, or other access requests for classes and programs.