Welcome to PEM! Plan your visit

Yes, service dogs are allowed at the museum, provided they are leashed and under the control of their owner, as required by law. In compliance with Massachusetts ADA regulations (MGL, C. 272, s. 98A), visitors with dogs may be asked if their dog is a service animal and what service/work/task they are trained to perform. At no time will the answers require disclosure of medical information. Please note: The only service animals permitted under Massachusetts law are dogs and miniature horses. No other animals will be permitted entry. 

PEM is certified Sensory Inclusive™ and partners with KultureCity to promote an accessible and positive experience for visitors with diverse sensory needs. Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are experienced by 1 in 6 individuals, including people with autism, dementia, PTSD and other conditions. The annual KultureCity certification process ensures that PEM staff members are trained on how to recognize and best serve guests with sensory needs, including how to appropriately and safely handle a sensory overload situation. Prior to your visit, adults and children can download the free KultureCity app to view the available sensory features and how to access them.

PEM’s Visitor Resource Center offers standard and wide wheelchairs, strollers and rollators. Gallery stools are available to borrow throughout the museum. Visitors who are blind or have low vision can borrow Braille guides and large-print guides; we have large-print maps in English and Spanish, and EnChroma glasses for color blindness. PEM offers handheld translation devices that cover a wide range of languages. KultureCity sensory bags are located at the Visitor Resource Center. Assistive listening devices and ASL interpretation are available on request for public programs. To make a request or view our full list of options, please visit pem.org/access.

All bags, including purses and handbags, brought into the museum are subject to search. Bags 18 x 13.5 x 10 inches or larger may not be brought into the galleries without a security inspection and pass. Backpacks and backpack baby carriers may not be worn on your back. If permitted to carry your bag, you will be asked to wear it on the front of your body. Umbrellas are also not permitted in the galleries. Lockers and cubbies are available near the Visitor Resource Center. Luggage can be stored only for the duration of your museum visit. 

Yes! You’re more than welcome to step out of the museum and present your admissions tag to come back inside before we close. Last re-entry is at 4:45 pm. 

Unfortunately, we don’t allow fully painted faces, wide-brimmed hats or protruding props and objects. You may wear your costume inside if it follows these rules.