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FAQ

What to know

From lost and found to login and first Fridays, from getting tickets to guest passes, and from recent acquisitions to reserving event space, you’ll find answers to enhance your art enjoyment here.

plan your visit visitor policies group visits membership venue experiences internships the collection libraries

Plan your visit

Tickets
Can I visit SAM using Seattle C3™ by CityPASS®?

Yes, SAM is a Seattle C3® attraction! It’s easy to save up to 31% off admission to Seattle’s top 3 attractions. First, purchase Seattle C3® tickets online for instant mobile ticket delivery. Next, present your C3ÂŽ ticket at the ticketing desk in the main lobby to receive your SAM ticket for entry – no advanced reservations are required.

Is the admission to the museum suggested?

Seattle Art Museum: There is a single price for admission at Seattle Art Museum’s downtown location. This is not a suggested donation nor is the Pay What You Wish option available.

Seattle Asian Art Museum: SAM has an operating agreement with the City of Seattle for the Seattle Asian Art Museum art deco building located in Volunteer Park. As part of this agreement, admission pricing at the Seattle Asian Art Museum is suggested. Visitors here may pay what they wish for entry. This option is only available to purchase onsite.

SAM offers many ways to visit the museum for free or at a reduced rate Learn more about discount programs available at SAM.

Is admission to the museum free on the first Friday of the month for seniors at the Seattle Art Museum downtown?

Tickets for seniors on first Fridays are $5. Admission includes access to all exhibitions on view. SAM offers many ways to visit the museum for free or at a reduced rate. Learn more about discounts available at SAM.

Do I need to get tickets online in advance?

Buying tickets online in advance is highly encouraged, plus it saves you money! Save $3 when you purchase tickets online at least one day in advance of your visit. Admission increases if you wait until the day of your visit to purchase tickets online or onsite. Tickets are released online the first Thursday of every month on a rolling basis.

What if I do not already have an online account?

If you do not have an account already, you will be prompted to create an account with a login and password in order to check out online.

What do I do if I lost my print-at-home tickets?

Please contact SAM’s Customer Service Center through our online form to request your print-at-home tickets be sent to you via email.

What do I do if I didn’t receive a confirmation email?

Please start by checking your email account’s junk/spam folder. Be sure your email account is set up to receive emails sent from "ticketing@seattleartmuseum.org." If you still have not received a confirmation, please contact SAM’s Customer Service Center through our online form.

Is there timed ticketing?

We do not require timed ticketing for our current exhibitions. Due to popularity, there may be a brief wait to enter Calder: In Motion, The Shirley Family Collection. Please plan accordingly.

Are there any discounts for admission?

Yes! SAM wants everyone to experience the art in our galleries and we offer many ways to visit the museum for free or at a reduced rate. Learn more about discount programs available at SAM.

Visiting SAM
Do I need to check my belongings?

Backpacks, large bags, or items larger than 11″ x 15″ are not allowed in the galleries and must be checked. Coat check is free at Seattle Art Museum, and Seattle Asian Art Museum has a free self-check, so please plan accordingly.

What entrances are open?

At the Seattle Art Museum, only the First and Union entrance is currently open. The south entrance (the Hammering Man entrance) and the South Hall are temporarily closed to the public. At the Seattle Asian Art Museum, the main entrance is open.

Are parts of the museum closed?

During the pandemic, SAM closed a few public areas of the museum to reduce overall visitor footprint so we could operate and provide access to our galleries. Some areas remain closed to all visitors—these include:

Seattle Art Museum: The south wing of the museum—including South Hall and South Hall restrooms, the Grand Staircase, Chase Open Studio, the Ann P. Wyckoff Education Resource Center, the Bullitt Library, and some family spaces.

Seattle Asian Art Museum: The McCaw Foundation Library.

Will all galleries be open when I visit?

Occasionally SAM needs to close galleries or limit access at our locations in order to install new exhibitions or rotate sensitive artworks. This isn’t something we like to do often but, when it happens, we hope you’ll bear with us because the result will be new art for you to enjoy.

What are SAM’s current policies on COVID-19?

SAM remains a mask friendly space. Visitors are encouraged to wear masks for their personal safety and comfort. We also ask visitors who are experiencing flu, cold, or other similar symptoms to visit another time.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public setting. SAM can’t guarantee you won’t be exposed to COVID-19 during your visit; by visiting SAM you accept this risk of exposure.

Are wheelchairs and strollers available?

Wheelchairs and strollers are available upon request on a first come, first served basis, and will be cleaned after every use.

Are gallery tours available?

Check what's on to see when tours are happening.

Is there a time limit for visits?

Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they want, until the close of the museum, once they have entered the galleries.

Is there seating in the galleries?

Benches and other seating are provided on each floor of the museum for your comfort.

What accommodations does SAM offer to make the museum accessible to all?

SAM strives to be accessible for all visitors and provides a variety of support services to assist with your visit. More information can be found here. Service animals are the only animals welcome in the museum.

What do I do if I lost something at the museum?

Report your lost article and we will let you know if it turns up.

Visitor policies
What are the visitor policies at Seattle Art Museum?

Free coat check
Backpacks, large bags, or items larger than 11” x 15” are not allowed in the galleries.

Photography
Take pictures! Non-commercial photography and videography is welcome except by “No Photography” icons. To protect the art, no extension cords, tripods, selfie sticks, flashbulbs, or artificial lighting are allowed in the galleries.

Keep art safe
Touching harms the art. Stay at least 12 inches from objects and refrain from running or rough play.

Smartphone tours
Enjoy audio and interactive content on your own device for free. visitsam.org/explore

For families
Strollers and breastfeeding are allowed everywhere. Bottle feed in the Brotman Forum or the third floor Knudsen Family Room. Kids 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Get creative
Use pencils to sketch and write in the galleries. Pens, paints, and pastels are not allowed.

Be a good human
Abusive, harassing, discriminatory, or threatening words or behaviors toward staff or visitors will not be tolerated.

Service animals
Service animals trained to do work, perform tasks, or provide medical support are welcome in the museum. Leave pets at home.

Visitor Service Officers
Please follow the instructions of the museum’s Visitor Service Officers. They are there to ensure the safety of all staff, volunteers, and visitors as well as to protect the artworks on display.

Be mindful
Keep doorways and hallways accessible to other visitors. Please keep voices low and silence or use headphones with cellphones while in the galleries; no incoming or outgoing calls are allowed.

Weapons
Regardless of licenses or permits, absolutely no weapons of any kind are allowed on museum property.

Eating and drinking
No food or drink of any kind, including water bottles, is allowed in the galleries.

Smoking
No smoking or vaping is allowed inside any museum property or within 25 feet of any public entrance.

Public decency
Shoes, tops, and bottoms must be worn while inside the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. No bathing suit attire is permitted at either location. Visitors may not wear any masks, hoods, or full face paint which obscures the majority of the face or covers the head completely. Medical masks and religious coverings are welcome.

Balloons
No lighter-than-air (helium) balloons of any kind are allowed.

Plants
No plant material such as flowers, branches, leaves, or other organic material is allowed in the galleries.

Health and safety
Please visit at another time if you are feeling unwell, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are experiencing flu, cold, or other respiratory infection symptoms. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public setting. Your health and safety are our priority, but SAM can’t guarantee you won’t be exposed to COVID-19 during your visit; by visiting SAM you accept this risk of exposure. SAM is a mask-friendly institution. Visitors are encouraged to wear masks for their personal safety and comfort.

SAM reserves the right to refuse or revoke the admission of any visitor whose conduct violates these guidelines or otherwise jeopardizes the safety of our staff, visitors, or the art.

What are the visitor policies at Seattle Asian Art Museum?

Free coat check
Backpacks, large bags, or items larger than 11” x 15” are not allowed in the galleries. Please leave larger personal items in the self-serve lockers.

Photography
Take pictures! Non-commercial photography and videography is welcome except by “No Photography” icons. To protect the art, no extension cords, tripods, selfie sticks, flashbulbs, or artificial lighting are allowed in the galleries.

Keep art safe
Touching harms the art. Stay at least 12 inches from objects and refrain from running or rough play.

Smartphone tours
Enjoy audio and interactive content on your own device for free. visitsam.org/explore

For families
Strollers and breastfeeding are allowed everywhere. Bottle feed in the Fuller Garden Court. Kids 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Get creative
Use pencils to sketch and write in the galleries. Pens, paints, and pastels are not allowed.

Be a good human
Abusive, harassing, discriminatory, or threatening words or behaviors toward staff or visitors will not be tolerated.

Service animals
Service animals trained to do work, perform tasks, or provide medical support, are welcome in the museum. Leave pets at home.

Visitor Service Officers
Please follow the instructions of the museum’s Visitor Service Officers. They are there to ensure the safety of all staff, volunteers, and visitors as well as to protect the artworks on display.

Be mindful
Keep doorways and hallways accessible to other visitors. Please keep voices low and silence or use headphones with cellphones while in the galleries; no incoming or outgoing calls are allowed.

Weapons
Regardless of licenses or permits, absolutely no weapons of any kind are allowed on museum property.

Eating and drinking
No food or drink of any kind, including water bottles, is allowed in the galleries.

Smoking
No smoking or vaping is allowed inside any museum property or within 25’ feet of any public entrance.

Public decency
Shoes, tops, and bottoms must be worn while inside the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. No bathing suit attire is permitted at either location. Visitors may not wear any masks, hoods, or full face paint which obscures the majority of the face or covers the head completely. Medical masks and religious coverings are welcome.

Balloons
No lighter-than-air (helium) balloons of any kind are allowed.

Plants
No plant material such as flowers, branches, leaves, or other organic material is allowed in the galleries.

Health and safety
Please visit at another time if you are feeling unwell, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are experiencing flu, cold, or other respiratory infection symptoms. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public setting. Your health and safety are our priority, but SAM can’t guarantee you won’t be exposed to COVID-19 during your visit; by visiting SAM you accept this risk of exposure. SAM is a mask-friendly institution. Visitors are encouraged to wear masks for their personal safety and comfort.

SAM reserves the right to refuse or revoke the admission of any visitor whose conduct violates these guidelines or otherwise jeopardizes the safety of our staff, visitors, or the art.

What are the visitor policies at Olympic Sculpture Park?

Open & free
365 days a year

Photography
Take pictures! Non-commercial photography and videography is welcome except by “No Photography” icons.

Keep art safe
Please do not touch or climb on sculptures. Bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, and skateboards must be walked through the park. Active sports are not allowed.

Smartphone tours
Enjoy audio and interactive content on your own device for free. visitsam.org/explore

Nurture nature
Enjoy the diversity of plant life and leave it for others to enjoy. Please stay on the paths and walkways. Posting of signs and solicitation must be approved by SAM.

Local laws
Smoking, alcohol, and cannabis are prohibited. All federal, state and local laws apply. Any designee of SAM, including security officers, may enforce these regulations.

Be a good human
Abusive, harassing, discriminatory, or threatening words or behaviors toward staff or visitors will not be tolerated.

Pets welcome
Keep animals on a six-foot leash and please clean up after your pets.

Groups & gatherings
Private gatherings and group picnics must be arranged and approved by SAM in advance. Please inquire at the Pavilion or email our facilities team.

Signs and solicitation
Posting of signs and solicitation must be approved by SAM.

Weapons
Possession of a weapon, even if legally carried, is strictly prohibited at the Olympic Sculpture Park; an exception is made for law enforcement officers only.

Alaskan Way Boulevard
All applicable federal, state,​ and local laws apply in the park as well on Alaskan Way Boulevard path, owned by the City of Seattle.

SAM reserves the right to refuse or revoke the admission of any visitor whose conduct violates these guidelines or otherwise jeopardizes the safety of our staff, visitors, or the art.

Group Visits
Can I bring a group to SAM?

Yes! Discounted admission rates are available for groups of 10 people or more. Reservations are required. Learn more

Can I book a guided tour if I have less than 10 people in my group?

Yes! There is no minimum number of people for a guided tour. The tour fee in our group rates section applies to groups of 1 to 20 people.

Can I use SAM’s discount program for my group admission?

Group admission cannot be combined with other discounts, including reciprocal membership from other institutions.

Do you have group dining packages?

Yes! We currently offer group dining packages at Seattle Art Museum, our downtown location.

For more information on group dining packages, please indicate your interest on the visit request form or email us at groupvisits@seattleartmuseum.org.

Group admission reservation required.

Can I book a group visit for Free First Thursday?

Groups are not recommended to visit on First Thursdays at Seattle Art Museum or Seattle Asian Art Museum. The galleries get very crowded which does not make for a good group experience.

If your only availability falls on a First Thursday, we can book a limited number of groups on a first-come, first-served basis, self-guided only. Please email us to inquire about availability.



If you have additional questions related to group visits, call us at 206.654.3210 or email us at groupvisits@seattleartmuseum.org.

Membership

General
I’m a SAM member, do I need a ticket to come to the museum? How do I get one?

All visitors need a ticket to visit SAM. Secure your complimentary member tickets and purchase tickets for your guests online or onsite.

Online: Tickets are available here. Print your tickets at home, show your tickets on your phone, or pick up your tickets at Will Call before entering the galleries.

Onsite: Go to the Ticketing Desk and show your membership card or photo ID. Guest passes and the 40% discount for guests can only be used onsite.

Do I need to book a separate ticket to see a special exhibition?

No! Your free member admission includes admission to special exhibitions.

How do I log in to my account?

If you purchased a membership online, you have a SAM account. On the login page, click on "Forgot Password" to recover your password. Use the email used to purchase your membership to log into your account. If you purchased your membership onsite or by mail, please allow up to a week for your membership to be reflected on your online account.

Please contact us if you don’t see your membership reflected in your account, would like a second login for dual memberships, don’t remember what email is associated with your account, or if you have general questions about online accounts.

SAM Customer Service Center online form
206.654.3210
membership@seattleartmuseum.org

I’m logged in as a member but I only see general admission tickets. Where are my member tickets?

Once logged in, you should see your current membership level and expiration date listed at the top of the page. Tickets appear as full price during selection but if you are logged into your member account, free member admission will be applied during checkout.

Do I get Guest Passes?

Patron, Friend, Fellow, and Contributor Circle members receive one-time use guest passes to share with friends and family, good for free admission. Guest passes are valid for the length of your current membership. Your paper guest passes will have been mailed to your address when you joined or renewed your membership. Two year members receive two years’ worth of guest passes, double the single year amount, at the beginning of their membership. You do not need to be present for guest passes to be used.

  • Patron: 4 guest passes
  • Friends and Fellows: 6 guest passes
  • Contributor Circles: 10 guest passes

All membership levels receive 40% off museum admission for a limited number of guests every visit. Members no longer receive $5 discount passes in the mail. Patron-level members and above are allowed to bring two guests for free each visit.

I am a Patron-level or above SAM member, how do I use my guest passes?

Patron-level members and above receive guest passes when you purchase or renew your membership. To redeem guest passes, the person using them should present them at the ticketing desk to exchange for tickets. You do not need to be present for your guest passes to be used. Please note, guest passes are separate from the member benefit of two free guests every time you visit SAM.

I have a $5 discount pass, can I still use it?

Yes, $5 discount passes will be accepted through December 31, 2023. Don’t forget, members get 40% off museum admission for a limited number of guests every visit!

I am a member of an art museum that has reciprocal admission with SAM. How do I visit?

Upon arriving at SAM, show your participating museum membership card with reciprocity designation for the Metropolitan Reciprocal Membership Program, the Western Reciprocal Membership Program, or other participating institution at the ticketing desk. Members of reciprocal institutions receive free admission to SAM for cardholders and up to two guests including special exhibitions, 10% discount at SAM Shop, and discounts on select program and lecture tickets. Reciprocal member tickets can only be reserved in-person at the ticketing desk to confirm reciprocal status. Check out this page for more information on reciprocal admission and participating museums.

I’m a Patron-level or above SAM member, how do I use my reciprocal benefits to visit a participating arts institution?

SAM participates in the Metropolitan Reciprocal Membership Program and the Western Reciprocal Membership Program. We also have agreements with a handful of individual museums. Be sure to check the list of institutions participating in the reciprocal admission programs before visiting. We encourage you to contact the museums you are planning on visiting in advance to confirm reciprocal benefits.

Digital card holders: Present your active digital membership card and photo ID to participating organizations for free admission.

Plastic card holders: Present your active SAM membership card with reciprocal logo and photo ID to participating organizations for free admission. SAM no longer provides reciprocal stickers.

Are there special opportunities exclusively for members?

Yes! SAM members have exclusive access to Member Previews, Conversations with Curators, Member Appreciation Days, and more. Upcoming opportunities will always be announced in the bi-monthly Member Enews as well as appear on For Members. Some events may allow you to bring a limited number of guests. Check individual events for more information on if guests are allowed and ticket pricing.

Can someone else use my membership card to visit SAM?

Membership benefits are nontransferable. Whether ordering your tickets online or picking them up at the desk, you will be required to present your active SAM membership card and photo ID along with your ticket before entering the galleries. The name on your ticket must match your photo ID or you will be denied entry. If your membership level includes guest passes, you may share those and do not need to be present for them to be used.

How do I manage AutoRenewal for my membership?

You can join SAM’s AutoRenewal program when you purchase a membership or renewal using a credit card on-site, by mail, or over the phone at 206.654.3210. The credit card you use will be automatically charged in the month your membership expires. Currently, you cannot opt into SAM’s AutoRenewal program when you purchase your membership or renew online.

To update your credit card information or to opt in/out of SAM’s AutoRenewal program, contact SAM’s Customer Service Center at 206.654.3210. Please do not email us your credit card information.

What are the rules and expectations related to membership at SAM?

Memberships are revocable licenses issued subject to SAM’s visitor policies and this Ticketing & Membership policy. SAM reserves the right to terminate such licenses, and to refuse or revoke membership, refuse admission to SAM, and/or remove any person, without refund, whose conduct SAM deems inappropriate, who fails to comply with SAM’s rules, visitor policies, or this ticketing and membership policy, and/or who abuses member privileges.

Memberships are valid at all SAM locations. Memberships begin on the date of purchase. Membership cards and privileges are non-refundable and non-transferable. Membership cards and privileges are intended for noncommercial use by individual members and are valid only for the person(s) named on the membership account. Membership benefits may not be resold, exchanged, or refunded. Purchase of an annual membership does not entitle purchaser to renewal in a subsequent year.

Membership cards

By default, all members will receive a digital membership card sent to the email address you provide. Digital membership cards function the same as physical membership cards. Simply show your digital membership card and photo ID to our staff at the Ticketing Desk, SAM Shops, or MARKET Seattle to take advantage of your member benefits! When you join or renew your membership, you can also indicate if you require a plastic membership card.

How do I access my digital cards and save them to my phone’s wallet?

Digital membership cards will be sent to the email address used to purchase your membership. Open the email on your mobile device and follow the instructions to download the card to your smartphone wallet. Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to download your digital membership card to your smartphone wallet. We've also written the instructions for you here! Android users may need to install Wallet Passes from the Play Store prior to download.

If you don’t receive an email or you delete the email, please contact the SAM Customer Service Center using the online form, by calling us at 206.654.3210, or emailing membership@seattleartmuseum.org.

I have a Dual-level membership or higher, do I get second digital membership card?

All members will receive an email with a link to their digital card. The email will only be sent to the primary member. You can forward the email or use the share feature of the wallet app to ensure that secondary cardholders receive their digital membership card.

How do I share my digital membership card with my second named member?

For iPhone users:

  • Open your SAM membership card in the Wallet app. At the top right side of the screen, tap on the "..." icon and select Pass Details.
  • At the top right side of the screen, tap on the share icon (box with arrow pointing up) to send the card via text message or email to the secondary card holder. We recommend you use the Mail option.

For Android users:

  • Search for an "i" icon at the bottom of your card.
  • Once you tap on this icon, you will see a button that says "share pass". Tap on this button.
  • You will see sharing options like Mail, SMS, etc... Use one of those options to share your card. We recommend you use the Mail option.
Where can I find my digital cards?

Once downloaded, your digital cards will live in your smartphone's wallet.

The second named member on my card is listed as "Guest of", what does this mean?

Dual-level and higher memberships have the option of having two named members on their membership cards. If you do not have a second named member, the name on your card will appear as “Your Name and Guest”. You will receive a single digital card that can be used for you and a guest. If you also selected to receive a plastic card, you will only receive one card. Please remember that these can only be used when the primary named member is present.

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.

When will you send me new digital cards?

You will only receive new digital cards if you change your membership level or upon request. If you need your digital card resent to you, please contact the SAM Customer Service Center using the online form, by calling us at 206.654.3210, or emailing membership@seattleartmuseum.org.

What if I lose, delete, or can’t find my membership card?

You can still visit the museum anytime by showing your photo ID at the Ticketing Desk to verify your membership status. If you need a replacement plastic (Patron-level or above only) or digital card, please contact the SAM Customer Service Center using the online form, by calling us at 206.654.3210, or emailing membership@seattleartmuseum.org.

Gift memberships
How do I buy a gift membership?

Online: Find the level that is right for your recipient and choose the "Gift" option. SAM members should use this page to receive 10% off your gift membership purchases.

Phone: Call us at 206.654.3210, open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

Onsite: Stop by the ticketing desk at Seattle Art Museum or the Seattle Asian Art Museum and we will help you in person.

Please note, gift memberships take 2-3 weeks to process. Contact us at membership@seattleartmuseum.org to receive a digital membership welcome letter to gift to your recipient in the meantime.

I am a member, how to I get 10% off my gift member purchase?

SAM members should use this page to receive 10% off your gift membership purchases. You will need to be logged in to your member account to receive the discount. You can also purchase a gift membership with your discount onsite or over the phone at 206.654.3210.

I bought a gift membership. What now?

Your recipient’s membership packet and membership card will be mailed to their address within three weeks of purchase. Currently, digital membership cards are not an option for gift membership purchases. Once the gift recipient has received their membership packet, they may request a digital card by contacting the SAM Customer Service Center using the online form, by calling us at 206.654.3210, or emailing membership@seattleartmuseum.org.

Contact us at membership@seattleartmuseum.org to receive a digital membership welcome letter to gift to your recipient.

I was gifted a SAM membership, how do I access my membership card and benefits?

Your membership packet with your card will be mailed to your address. You can still visit SAM before your packet arrives by presenting your photo ID and the name of the person who gifted you the membership at the ticketing desk.

Currently, digital membership cards are not automatically sent to gift membership recipients. Once you’ve received your membership packet in the mail, you may request a digital card by contacting the SAM Customer Service Center using the online form, by calling us at 206.654.3210, or emailing membership@seattleartmuseum.org.



Still have questions?
Contact the SAM Customer Service Center using the online form, calling us at 206.654.3210, or emailing membership@seattleartmuseum.org.

Venue Experiences

If your question is not listed below, please email us at venues@seattleartmuseum.org

How do I check for availability or reserve an event space?

Contact the Venue Experiences department by email or by phone at 206.654.3140. Space is available to reserve on a first-come, first-served basis up to 12 months in advance.

Can I stop by to view SAM spaces, and do I need to be escorted?

You are welcome to view the museum and PACCAR Pavilion public spaces any time during public hours. You do not need an escort and you’re not required to pay admission to preview the location for a future event. Please email us to double-check that the spaces you would like to view are not booked for an event during the time you want to visit.

Can I bring in an outside caterer for my event?

We partner with Shooby Doo Catering to provide exclusive catering at all SAM locations. All food and beverage arrangements must be made directly with Shooby Doo Catering.

What types of events are not allowed at SAM?

College dance events, auctions, and political events are not permitted at SAM. High school reunions and proms, however, are permitted.

Internships

Do I need previous museum experience to intern at SAM?

No. While previous experience as a museum volunteer or intern is helpful, we recognize that these kinds of opportunities often come with significant barriers. Instead of a minimum education or experience requirement, we intentionally keep an open mind toward alternative qualifications when making hiring decisions.

Are internships only open to current students?

We offer internships to museum professionals at any stage of their career journey, including recent graduates and early career professionals. Some programs do have specific eligibility requirements, and those are always included in the job description.

Students seeking academic credit are required to coordinate all details with their educational program or institution prior to starting their work at SAM.

My recommender is unavailable and cannot send a letter on my behalf before the application deadline. What should I do?

It may take several weeks for someone to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We strongly recommend that you request letters as early as possible, as we cannot guarantee a review of your application if it is incomplete. Please have all letters of recommendation sent to internships@seattleartmuseum.org with your name in the subject line.

Are all internships at SAM paid?

Yes. As SAM looks to the future of the museum field, we recognize the structural and institutional barriers that unpaid internships pose to the next generation of arts professionals. Therefore, interns at SAM are hired as temporary/on-call employees and are eligible for certain staff benefits.

In certain cases, interns are compensated via external funding or work only for school credit. These interns are onboarded as volunteers, but otherwise have access to the same mentorship and learning opportunities as paid interns.

I am not able to easily get to SAM from where I live. Can interns work remotely for part or all of their internship?

Onsite work is a core part of the SAM internship experience and we are therefore unable to offer fully remote internships at this time. Limited hours for remote work may be available, but we expect at least 80% of your time to be spent on site.

We are able to provide a subsidized ORCA card to interns that do not already have access to one. For more information on how we can help you get to SAM, email us at internships@seattleartmuseum.org.

I am from out of state. Can I still apply for an internship?

Yes. Unless otherwise stated in the job description, our internships are open to all candidates with a valid US work authorization, including students with an F-1 visa.

International students seeking Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) will need to coordinate with their academic institution and confirm work authorization prior to their internship. Please note that SAM does not sponsor work or student visas at this time.

Please be aware that the cost of living is much higher in Seattle than in other areas of the US and abroad. We are currently unable to provide travel, relocation, or housing assistance to interns.

The collection

How can I find out if a specific object or type of object is in SAM's collection?

Search SAM's collection to access the more than 25,000 objects in our holdings. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please email us at research@seattleartmuseum.org.

Where can I find information about recent acquisitions?

See a selection of SAM's recent acquisitions or email us at collection@seattleartmuseum.org.

How can I get a copy of a label I saw in the galleries?

Please contact libraries@seattleartmuseum.org. If you need label text for an object that is not on view or you can’t find what you need through SAM's libraries, please contact collection@seattleartmuseum.org.

How can I get an image of something I saw at your locations?

Please review SAM's Rights & Resources for information related to image reproduction. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please use the Image Rights & Reproductions Request form for more information.

How can I learn more about an artwork in my own collection?

SAM curatorial staff cannot offer such services. Electronic resources for appraisal, authentication, identification, and research have been identified by the library staff for public use.

How can artists get their work exhibited at one of SAM's locations?

The Seattle Art Museum does not accept unsolicited submissions of art except through the annual Betty Bowen Award.

How can I donate, sell, or lend artwork to the museum?

If you are a collector who would like to offer works of art from your collection to the museum, please follow the guidelines below.

  • Please provide us with as much information as possible about the work, including artist, date, medium, size, and provenance information (history of ownership).
  • Please include an image of the work of art (or multiple images, if offering multiple works).
  • Please state explicitly if you are offering these works for loan (temporarily sharing them with the museum for display), for sale (please include your asking price and date by which you need a decision), or for donation.
  • Please note that the museum cannot identify, authenticate, or appraise your collection.
  • Send your material to the Seattle Art Museum Curatorial Department via email, or to 1300 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Please note that the museum cannot return materials sent by mail.

Please note: The process of reviewing your images may take several weeks. It may not be possible to reply to every submission. We cannot make studio visits, see the work in person, or make visits to private collections during the initial phase of the review. If there is sufficient interest from a curator, we will contact you about any further steps.

Libraries

If your question is not listed below, please email us at libraries@seattleartmuseum.org

Where can I find more information about the libraries at SAM?

The Seattle Art Museum has three libraries. Two research libraries: the Dorothy Stimson Bullitt Library (Seattle Art Museum) and the McCaw Foundation Library (Seattle Asian Art Museum), and a lending library for educators: the Ann P. Wyckoff Education Resource Center (Seattle Art Museum). The research libraries’ combined collection is over 45,000 volumes. The Ann P. Wyckoff Education Resource Center has over 4,000 resources.

Are the SAM Libraries open to the public?

Yes, please view hours and visit information here. Appointments can be made for either library via email.

The Ann P. Wyckoff Education Resource Center (ERC) is also closed until further notice.

Do library services carry a fee?

Most of the services we provide are free. Occasionally, there are very minimal charges. Patrons are assessed a fee of $0.10 per page for photocopies after the first 10 pages. Additionally, patrons must pay fees for postage (if applicable) and any other charges incurred by library staff on behalf of the patron. The majority of research requests cost less than $5.

Can the library authenticate or identify an object for me? If not, where should I go?

When possible, library staff can help you find helpful information about an object. We can also provide contact information for appraisal organizations that can appraise, authenticate, or positively identify art.