Accessibility at the Palmer
The Palmer Museum of Art is committed to creating an accessible and welcoming experience for all visitors. Scroll below for information on: Getting to the Museum, Parking, Moving around the Museum, options During Your Visit, and Tours and Programs.Getting to the Museum
By Car
The Palmer Museum of Art is located at 650 Bigler Road on Penn State’s University Park campus, in the Arboretum and near the Lewis Katz Building.
From Downtown State College
Take N Atherton Street / US-322 W BUS. Then turn right on W Park Avenue. Turn left on Bigler Road. The Palmer Museum will be on your left and the Katz Parking lot will be on your right.
From I-99 / Route 322
Take exit 74 towards Penn State University and continue on E Park Avenue toward campus. Continue on Park Avenue. Turn right onto Bigler Road to reach the museum and visitor parking. The Palmer Museum will be on your left and the Katz Parking lot will be on your right.
From the State College Regional Airport
Travel southwest on Fox Hollow Road and turn right onto Park Avenue. Continue on Park Avenue toward campus and turn right onto Bigler Road to reach the museum and visitor parking. The Palmer Museum will be on your left and the Katz Parking lot will be on your right.
By Shuttle Bus
The White Loop shuttle bus stops directly in front of the museum and is free for riders on the Penn State campus or from downtown.
Visitors can check shuttle locations and arrival times using the TransLoc Shuttle App.
The shuttle typically arrives for pickup every 15 minutes at the Lewis Katz Building stop and every 20 minutes for drop-off at the Arboretum stop at the drop-off loop directly in front of the museum.
By CATA Bus
Several CATA bus routes stop near the Palmer Museum of Art and The Arboretum at Penn State.
The closest stop to the museum is the Computer Building stop (Bigler Road at Curtin Road), located approximately 10 minutes’ journey down Bigler Road from the museum entrance.
Visit the CATA website for routes, schedules, fare information, and accessibility services.
Parking
Visitor parking for the Palmer Museum of Art is available across from the museum in the Orange A Katz Lot adjacent to the Lewis Katz Building. Four accessible parking spaces are located at the front of the lot and a drop-off loop is located directly in front of the museum entrance.
Visitors with a Penn State parking permit valid for Orange A lots may park in the Katz Lot. For visitors who do not have a valid Penn State parking permit, parking is available after 4 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Parking fees apply at all times for visitors without a valid Penn State parking permit.
Parking may be paid through the HonkMobile app app using zone PSUOA or at kiosks located in the parking lot.
Special events may affect parking rates in the Katz Lot. Check here for parking rate news and updates. The East Parking Deck or CATA bus are good options during these times, both about two to three blocks from the museum.
For more information about parking, please call Penn State Transportation Services at 814-865-1436 or visit transportation.psu.edu/visitor-parking.
Moving around the Museum
Step-free access is available throughout the museum, and an elevator provides access to all levels. Automatic hands-free door sensors are located at museum entrances.
Gender-neutral restrooms are available on Level 1, and accessible restrooms are available on the lower level. A lactation room can also be found on the lower level.
Wheelchairs are available to borrow during your visit. Ask at the Visitor Services Desk when you arrive if you would like a wheelchair for your visit.
Seating can be found throughout the museum, and portable stools are available for use in the galleries.
Service animals are welcome throughout the museum. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted inside the museum.
During Your Visit
Sensory Kits
Sensory kits are available during your visit. Please ask a Visitor Services Associate at the front desk for assistance. These kits are provided by the Acres Project.
Quiet Spaces
Quiet spaces can be found in the Impressionism gallery and the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Gateway bridge.
Large-Print Guides
Large-print versions of gallery labels are available in booklets throughout the museum.
Tours and Programs
ASL Interpretation
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
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
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.
Contact and Support
If you have any questions or feedback about accessibility at the Palmer Museum, please contact:
- Bronwyn Flemming, Educator for Public Programs, at bmf5778@psu.edu
- Sarah Anne Wharton, Marketing and Communications Director, at saw534@psu.edu