Programs - Palmer Museum of Art

May 2026

CLOSING EARLY

5 p.m.

Thursday, May 7

The Palmer Museum will be closing early at 5 p.m. for a private event. Thank you for your understanding.

Drop-in Tour: Absence and Presence

Sunday, May 10

2 p.m.

Start in the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Lobby

Drop in and discover the Palmer’s world-class collections and exhibitions with a friendly and knowledgeable museum guide. Each tour explores a theme, lasts about one hour, and includes close-looking through discussion and experiential learning opportunities. Sign language interpretation for drop-in tours is offered upon request. Interpretation services must be requested in advance and are subject to interpreter availability. Please contact Bronwyn Flemming at bmf5778@psu.edu.

Sensory-Friendly Hours

Reduced noise and lighting; no tours

Thursday, May 14

6–8 p.m.

Join us in the galleries during designated Sensory–Friendly Hours for a more relaxed and comfortable visit. During these times, we adjust the environment by dimming gallery lighting and turning off audio on gallery tablets when no tours are scheduled. While all visitors are welcome, these sessions are especially appropriate for individuals with sensory sensitivities, for neurodivergent visitors, disabled visitors, or anyone who prefers a calmer museum experience. For questions, please contact bmf5778@psu.edu.

Sensory-Friendly Hours

Reduced noise and lighting; no tours

Sunday, May 31

3–5 p.m.

Accessible Tours and Programs

The Palmer Museum of Art is committed to creating an accessible and welcoming experience for all visitors.

ASL Interpretation

ASL interpretation icon with blue square and white hands The Palmer Museum of Art offers American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted drop-in tours and events. ASL interpretation for any museum program or event is available free of charge with five business days’ notice. To request ASL interpretation, please email Bronwyn Flemming at bmf5778@psu.edu.

Sensory-Friendly Hours

No sound icon with blue square and white volume strikethrough icon

Join us during designated Sensory-Friendly Hours for a quieter and more relaxed museum experience. During these times, gallery lighting is dimmed and audio on gallery tablets is turned off when no tours are scheduled. While all visitors are welcome, these sessions are especially appropriate for visitors with sensory sensitivities, for neurodivergent visitors, disabled visitors, or anyone who prefers a calmer museum experience. For questions, please contact bmf5778@psu.edu.

Busy Times

Group icon with blue square and white figures

The museum is generally busiest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The museum is typically quieter during these times:

After 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. when programs are not scheduled (check our Programs page).
After opening until 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and on Sundays.

Find more info on accessibility here

2026 Summer Camps

Summer Art Camp at the Palmer Museum of Art is devoted to artistic adventures. Campers will enjoy creating art, exploring the galleries, and participating in a variety of art-inspired activities and games.

Each week offers two half-day sessions with a specialized art focus. 2026 sessions are: Mixed Media Magic, Sculpture Studio, Printmaking Lab, Museum Masters. Additional camp activities include age-appropriate rest times, creative play, opportunities for socializing, and time outdoors (weather permitting).

See here for full camp descriptions and registration information

Self-Guided Tour Brochures

Interested in exploring the galleries but feel a little intimidated by art? We’ve got you!

We’ve got you! Printed, self-guided tours and ARTify (art-music) playlists are available at the Visitor Services desk. Drop in, pick one up, and enjoy a personal art experience.