Tips for Visiting

Visitor Agreement To Safe & Inclusive Spaces

The Portland Art Museum and PAM Center for an Untold Tomorrow are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, welcoming environment for staff, visitors, volunteers, and audiences alike. We are a Museum and immersive cinema open to everyone and value creating new experiences, exploring the world around us, and being a place for connection, healing and learning.

We are committed to ensuring that all spaces and events are free from harassment, discrimination, and threatening or disrespectful behavior of any kind. Anyone who engages in such conduct either on or off site will have their access to galleries, festival screenings, events, and venues revoked without notice or refund.  If you have experienced or observed any violations of this agreement, or have any concerns, please alert a member of our staff immediately, call 503-226-2811 or complete an online report.

By visiting the Museum and PAM CUT, you agree to abide by this agreement to safe and inclusive spaces. We appreciate your participation in cultivating a positive environment!

Look, But Don’t Touch

While we encourage you to engage with the art presented in the Museum, please avoid touching any artworks. Paintings and other works of art are fragile and natural oils on your skin could damage the surface. Climbing on or touching the outdoor sculptures is not permitted.

Bags & Personal Items

We kindly request that bags, backpacks, or items larger than 11″ x 17″ x 6″ be left outside the Museum. Babies in carriers are permitted. Other bags should be carried at your side or in front, and not worn on one’s back. All items are subject to inspection. We want our visitors to feel welcome and understand that exceptions may be appropriate. Please contact us in advance of your visit or request to speak to a Visitor Services Manager upon arrival with questions. (updated on 3/14/23)

Attire

All visitors must wear proper attire, including shoes and shirts, while in the Museum.

Photography

Visitors to the Museum are welcome and encouraged to take photographs or video for personal, noncommercial use. Some photography may be restricted as indicated by a “No Camera” symbol on the gallery wall. Tripods, selfie sticks, and additional lighting are prohibited inside the Museum galleries at all times. Please be mindful of other visitors while taking photographs in the galleries.

During your visit, photos and/or videos may be taken of you and your group by Portland Art Museum staff or contracted photographers to be used for education and promotional purposes. If you or someone in your party would prefer to not be photographed, please let the photographer or someone from Guest Services know. Closed circuit cameras are used throughout the Museum campus for security purposes only.

The Museum reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph on its premises or to reproduce photographs of objects in its collection.

Food & Drinks

We ask that all food and beverages are consumed before admission or securely put away during your visit.

Other

The following items will not be allowed in the Museum: flowers, balloons, long umbrellas, and wrapped packages.

Pronoun Pins

Some Museum staff may be wearing a pin that shares their pronouns. The pins let visitors know how to address them, and help to create a welcoming environment for all.

Service Animals

Service dogs and miniature horses are welcome in the Museum. We do not permit retractable leashes in the museum. Please note that therapy animals, emotional support animals, and companion animals are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and are not permitted in the Museum.

Sketching

Sketching in pencil, colored pencil, and charcoal pencil is encouraged. However, the use of ballpoint pens, crayons, pastel, charcoal, and wet media is not permitted. Drawing boards are allowed up to the standard size of 23 x 26 inches. While sketching, please be mindful of other visitors in the galleries.

Weapons Policy

The Portland Art Museum is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all members of its campus community. The Portland Art Museum strictly prohibits the use, possession, or storage of any weapons (including but not limited to firearms) on its campus.

Accessibility Inquiries

More information on access can be found here: https://portlandartmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility/. For accessibility needs please reach out to our Head of Accessibility who will collaborate with you to make an individual plan at access@pam.org, 503-276-4284 voicemail, or 503-420-3169 videophone for messages in ASL.

Have Conversations Here

We encourage visitors to use the Museum as a space for dialogue and reflection, while always remaining respectful of all visitors.  Explore together, look closely, and find a place within the Museum to sit and talk about what you see and experience. This Conversation Guide includes a few suggestions to spark thinking and conversation before, during, and after your visit to the Museum.