We’re here to help. Click through the sections below for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about SAM. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, contact our customer service center.

Looking for SAM member information about the exhibition? See our Membership section.

Tickets

Can I get tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are not currently available. Due to the unique nature of Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors, all tickets are timed. A limited number of tickets will be available onsite, but they are expected to sell quickly. There are no refunds or exchanges of tickets for this exhibition.

What is a timed ticket?
Timed tickets ensure entry to the exhibition at a particular date and time. Timed tickets are required for Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors due to the popularity of the artist and the nature of the exhibition, which features five immersive spaces designed to hold only a few people at a time.

When is the best time to visit?
Mornings and weekdays are generally less crowded. Weekends tend to be busy and getting tickets on these days may be more difficult. Plan on spending up to two hours viewing the exhibition.

What if my preferred time slot isn’t available online?
A limited number of same-day timed tickets will be available onsite. Onsite ticket sales begin at 10 am and are first-come, first-served. Tickets can only be used on the day that they are issued.

What's the best way to get an onsite ticket?
Lines for onsite tickets may form early in the day. If you arrive before the museum opens at 10 am, please line up at the First Avenue and Union Street entrance. All tickets are timed and sold on a first-come first-served basis. Your entry time to the exhibition may be for later in the day, depending on the time slots available.

Do children require timed tickets?
All visitors require a timed ticket. Children 12 and under are free but will still need a ticket. This includes carried kids or kids in carriers. Timed tickets help us account for the time necessary to enter the museum and go through the exhibition. Please keep in mind, the exhibition contains some mature content.

When should I arrive?
Be early and don’t miss your ticketed time. Plan to enter the line outside the fourth floor galleries 10 minutes before the time on your ticket. Feel free to ask a SAM staff member about any wait times or delays. If you have a long wait, tour the rest of the museum, visit the SAM Shop, or enjoy coffee and snacks at the TASTE Café until 10 minutes before your entry time.

Is my ticket valid all day? Am I able to leave and return?
There is no re-entry to Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors so be sure to eat and use the restroom before your entry time to enjoy your visit to the fullest. However, your ticket does allow all-day access to the SAM collection galleries.

Why is general admission to Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors $34.95?
The $34.95 price ensures that SAM can cover the cost of the exhibition, while simultaneously lowering the exhibition visitor capacity to ensure the safety of the art and the artist’s intent. Accessibility is important to SAM and there are opportunities for free or reduced price entry. Please see below for information on discounts.

Are there any discounts for admission?

• SAM members always enjoy free admission to all galleries, including special exhibitions. Sorry, no coupons will be accepted for Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors, including Entertainment Book or Chinook Book.

• Flash Card or Gold Card holders are eligible for a reduced price admission ticket of $5.

• Seattle Public Library has a limited number of free tickets available for check out.

• SAM offers a limited number of free and discounted tickets to underserved communities.

Should I check my bag before entering Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors?
Due to the unique nature of the exhibition we encourage you to check all bags. Please do so before heading to the fourth floor to avoid having to return to Coat Check and missing your entry time. You may be requested to leave any unchecked bags outside of the Infinity Mirror Rooms where SAM staff will be stationed. However, SAM is not responsible for your belongings and encourages you to travel light when you come to the exhibition. Seattle Art Museum provides complimentary coat check services. The following items must be checked prior to entering the museum galleries

• Bags or other items larger than 11 x 15 in size

• Backpacks or other items worn on the back of any size

• Shopping bags

• Food and drink of any kind (including water and baby bottles)

• Briefcases

• Umbrellas of any size

• Wet items including wet coats

What if I miss my ticketed entry time?
Unfortunately, tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the time on your ticket we will attempt to admit you at the next available time slot that day, but entry is not guaranteed.

Infinity Room Mirrors

What are the Infinity Mirror Rooms?
The exhibition includes five Infinity Mirror Rooms: four you enter and one you peek in to. The rooms are designed by the artist to be brief immersive experiences.

How long are lines to enter the Infinity Mirror Rooms? How long can I spend in the room?
Guests will have a limit of 20–30 seconds in each room as directed by the artist’s intent, and to keep wait times for each room estimated at 20 minutes. The Infinity Mirror Rooms can be entered in any order. We encourage you to select the shortest lines first. Plan on spending up to two hours viewing the exhibition. Anyone who cannot stand in line for this duration can ask SAM staff for assistance.

How many people can be in an Infinity Mirror Room at the same time?
The viewing platforms and areas are small. Two to four people may enter each room at a time. You may be asked by an attendant to enter with other visitors.

Are the Infinity Mirror Rooms ADA accessible?
Standard wheelchairs, available at Coat Check, can enter and exit the Infinity Mirror Rooms one at a time. If you are unable to stand while in line, a limited number of folding gallery stools are available to check out from staff in the Special Exhibition Shop. Please ask staff for details. For more information, see our Accessibility webpage.

Tours

There will be no public tours of Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors due to the unique and immersive nature of the gallery installation.

Gallery Policies

Can I take photos?
Non-flash photography is allowed inside the exhibition except in Infinity Mirrored Room—All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins. Video recording and tripods/selfie sticks are prohibited. Please practice caution when taking photos in the Infinity Mirror Rooms and share your photos on social media with #InfiniteKusama.

Can I use my cell phone?
Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors does not include a cell phone audio guide. We ask that you silence your cell phone while in the galleries. Cell phone calls can be conducted in the Brotman Forum and South Hall, as well as in SAM Shops and TASTE Café.

Can I bring a stroller into the exhibition?
Single-occupant strollers are allowed into the exhibition. Single strollers and wheelchairs are available at Coat Check to loan in exchange for your ID. Sorry, no reservations are accepted for these items.

Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors

I’m a SAM member. Do I need a timed ticket to see Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors? How do I get one?
Yes, everyone requires a timed ticket to enter Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors.

To help ensure member access, members can secure tickets before the general public during the Member Pre-sale, May 15–29. As a reminder, membership benefits are non-transferable.

There are two ways to get your free member ticket to the exhibition and we strongly encourage you to reserve early as we cannot guarantee member tickets will be available for your preferred date and time due to the popularity of the exhibition.

• Reserve online in advance: Take advantage of the Member Pre-sale, May 15–29, and secure your tickets in advance. Print your tickets at home, show your tickets on your phone, or pick up your tickets at Will Call before entering the galleries. All members will be required to present valid photo ID along with a member ticket at the entrance to the exhibition. Activate your online membership account using your membership ID number (found on your card) and your zip code. If you need assistance, contact membership@seattleartmuseum.org or 206.654.3210.

• Pick up onsite: SAM has a limited number of tickets available onsite every day. Present your active membership card and photo ID at the Membership Services Desk to secure your tickets. You may also purchase tickets for your guests at this time. Members will receive priority through the Member Services Desk, but there is a high likelihood of tickets selling out for your preferred timeslot, so please reserve in advance.

Are there special viewing opportunities for members?
Yes! We provide SAM members with special opportunities to enjoy the exhibition. These events are expected to sell out so advance tickets for member events and viewing hours are highly encouraged!

• All Member Preview
  Thursday, June 29, 10 am–10 pm

• Member Monday Nights 4–9 pm, starting July 10

July 10 through September 4, SAM members and their guests have exclusive access to the exhibition on special Member Monday Nights. Guest of members will be asked to pay regular admission price for the exhibition.

How many free member tickets can I reserve for Yayoi Kusama?

• Student/Senior/Individual – One member ticket per day

• Dual/Dual Senior – Two member tickets per day

• Family – Two adult member and up to four student/children tickets per day (if you require additional child/student tickets please contact us)

• Patron and higher – Two member and Two guest tickets per day

• Premier level and higher members receive free admission for two members and two guests on each visit. You may reserve these tickets in advance online or onsite. Members must accompany their two free guests on their visit.

Can I use my member guest passes for Yayoi Kusama?
Guest pass privileges depends on your membership level.

• Individual/Dual/Family members receive two, one time use (purple/pink) discount passes per year with their membership materials. These can only be used onsite to receive $5 off Kusama tickets or free permanent collection tickets for their guests.

• Senior/Dual Senior/Student members do not receive any discount/guest passes with their membership.

• Premier/Contributors Circle members can reserve two free member tickets and two free guests tickets at one time for Kusama online/onsite/over the phone (the members must accompany their two free guests). In addition, Premier level and higher members receive blue, one time use guest passes (# of passes varies depending on level) every year that are good for free admission to the collection galleries or they can be used to purchase a discounted Yayoi Kusama ticket for $15.

• All guest passes can only be redeemed onsite and must be filled out by the member/guest.

• General level discounted passes must have the member present in order to be redeemed; Premier/CC/Corp guest passes do not need to have a member present.

• Due to the limited gallery capacity we cannot reserve tickets using the discount/guest passes in advance and cannot guarantee guests using these discount passes will be able to enter at the same time as the member.

How do ‘Guest of’ member cards work?
Dual/Family/Patron memberships have the option of having one named member card and a flexible ‘Guest of’ card allowing the primary member to bring a different person with them when they visit. The ‘Guest of’ cards are valid for one free admission ticket Yayoi Kusama exhibition, however the named (primary) member must accompany their guest. 'Guest of' cards cannot be used on their own.

I’m a reciprocal museum member. Do I get free admission?
The Seattle Art Museum participates in two reciprocity programs. Tickets for reciprocal members are only available onsite and we are unable to reserve them for you in advance. View the complete list of reciprocal membership participants. Here's what you can expect when visiting the Seattle Art Museum

• Reciprocal members can purchase a discounted ticket to Yayoi Kusama for $15 per reciprocal member card.

• Free admission to SAM’s Collection galleries

• 10% discount at SAM Shop

• Discounts on films, concerts, and lecture

Please present your active participating membership card with the appropriate reciprocal stickers to SAM’s Ticketing Desk to secure your ticket. Since you are a member of a different museum, we do not have access to your membership account and are unable to verify your membership status. We will be unable to provide you with reciprocal benefits, including free admission, if you do not have this information at time of purchase.

Can someone else use my membership card?
Membership benefits are nontransferable. Whether ordering your tickets online or picking them up at the desk, you will be required to present your photo ID along with your ticket before entering the exhibition.

What if I’m unable to use my ticket?
Due to the high demand for this exhibition we ask that members please notify SAM at membership@seattleartmuseum.org if they are unable to use your tickets. This will allow us to release your tickets to other visitors. Thank you for this consideration.

General Information

How do I log in to my account?
If you have ever purchased or reserved tickets on SAM’s website, you have an account in our system with assigned login information. Recover your user ID and/or password. If you have never used the site to purchase or reserve tickets, even if you are a member, you will need to set up your account with your Member ID number. Set up your account.

Accounts are set up with only one user ID and password per membership (e.g. a family of four with a Family membership has only one user ID and password for their account). If another person under your membership has set up an account, you will need their login information to access your membership account online. If you would like to create a second login to access your joint membership account please contact our Customer Service Center at 206.654.3210.

What if I’ve lost my membership card or it hasn’t arrived yet?
You can visit the museum anytime by showing your photo ID at the Ticketing Desk to verify your membership status. You can also verify your membership status by logging into your online account. If you need a replacement card, please contact the SAM Customer Service Center using the online form.

• New members: Your permanent membership card will arrive in 10–15 business days. In the meanwhile you are welcome to visit the museum by showing your photo ID at the Ticketing Desk.

• Renewing members: Please continue to use your existing membership card. Your card will be electronically updated within 24 hours of your online renewal. You will receive new expiration date stickers, to be used on your existing cards, in 10–15 business days.

Can someone else use my membership card?
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 exhibition.

What if I’m an employee of a SAM corporate member?
Employees of SAM corporate members are eligible for member tickets to exhibitions and events. Exhibition tickets can be reserved in advance via the corporate pass request or you may visit the Ticketing Desk with one of your company’s membership cards and your badge. Corporate Members must present proof of employment (work ID or business card) and ticket or membership card upon arrival at SAM. Guests of Corporate Members may enter for free with the Corporate Member and the Corporate Member must bring a membership card or ticket for each person in their party.

What does "suggested admission" mean?
Admission to the SAM Collections and Installations is available by donation. Pricing is fixed for tickets that include the special exhibition.

Are there any discounts for admission?
SAM offers suggested donation pricing for visiting the SAM Collections & Installations (special exhibitions excluded).
We also provide discounted rates for students, teens, seniors, and military with ID. SAM members and children (12 & under) are free. Admission the Olympic Sculpture Park is always free! SAM also participates in
​

• City of Seattle’s Gold and FLASH card program

• TeenTix

• Bank of America’s Museums on Us

• Blue Star Museums (special exhibition surcharge may apply)

• Free and discounted passes may be available for community organizations or colleges and universities.

What do you offer for groups of 10 or more?
Purchase 10 or more tickets in advance to guarantee admission on days that may sell out and to receive a free copy of Bridging Cultures, a guide to the permanent collections at SAM. Please call 206.654.3112 or email us.

What is First Thursday?
On the first Thursday of each month, SAM offers half-price admission to the special exhibition and free admission to the SAM Collections and Installations. First Thursday tickets for Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors will only be available onsite and are first come, first served. We expect tickets to sell out early in the day.

How do I access my account?
If you have ever purchased or reserved tickets on SAM’s website or been a SAM member, you have an account in our system with assigned login information.

Recover your password.

If you have never used the site to purchase or reserve tickets, please set up your account.

What do I do if I lost my print-at-home tickets?
If you have lost your print-at-home tickets, you can reprint your tickets by logging-in to your online account and clicking “Purchase History” in “My Account Info” You can also visit the Will Call line at the Admissions Desk in the museum and have your tickets reprinted by an Admission Representative.

What do I do if I didn’t receive a confirmation email?
Please start by checking your email account’s Junk Mail folder. Be sure to have your email account set-up to receive emails sent from boxoffice@seattleartmuseum.org before you purchase additional tickets. You can also log in to to your SAM account and confirm your purchase under Purchase History.

Tours

Tour times and topics vary throughout the year. Tours are free with museum admission. See upcoming tours on our calendar

Art Beyond Sight
Monthly tours of the museum’s collection to visitors with low or no visitors are available. Visit our Accessibility page for more details and tour dates.

People and Places at SAM: Exploring SAM’s Galleries
View creatively installed galleries and discuss outstanding artwork from SAM’s collections.

My Favorite Things
Seattle’s highly opinionated visual artists, dancers, curators, critics, and more are invited to select their favorite works of art in SAM’s galleries to discuss during these 30-minute tours.

Where can I find information on school tours?
Visit our Schools and Educator page for everything you need to know about K–12 school tours.

Do you offer private tours?
Yes! Our experienced guides can customize your experience of the museum. Groups pay a flat-rate fee in addition to discounted admission. Find out more.

Gallery Policies

Can I take photos?
Non-flash photography is permitted in most areas of the museum for personal, noncommercial use, with the following restrictions

• No tripods or selfie sticks

• No flash photography

• No movie or video cameras or recordings

For press and other special photography, including filming and video projects, please contact SAM Public Relations. For images of artworks owned by SAM, please see Image Rights.

SAM reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold or withdraw permission to photograph on its premises or to reproduce images of objects in its collection.

Photography is prohibited of artwork with this symbol:

Does SAM have a coat check?
Seattle Art Museum and Asian Art Museum both provide complimentary coat check services. Please be prepared to check the following items prior to entering the museum galleries

• Bags or other items larger than 11 x 15 in size

• Backpacks or other items worn on the back of any size

• Shopping bags

• Food and drink of any kind (including water and baby bottles)

• Briefcases

• Umbrellas of any size

• Wet items including wet coats

The Seattle Art Museum also has items available for loan from Coat Check. Visitors are welcome to borrow a wheelchair, stroller, baby front-carrier, and seeing aids from Coat Check when they provide a picture ID. All items borrowed from Coat Check are available on a first-come-first-served basis and Coat Check does not accept reservations. SAM also provides plastic bags for your valuables upon request.

Please note: In the unlikely event your items are lost, damaged, misplaced, or stolen, the Seattle Art Museum cannot be held responsible.

Are strollers permitted in the galleries?
Yes. Single occupant strollers are permitted in the galleries. Multiple occupant strollers may be checked in Coat Check before accessing the galleries. The Seattle Art Museum provides a limited number of single occupant strollers and baby front-carriers available for loan on a first-come-first-served basis when visitors provide a picture ID.

Visit our Families page for more information about our kid-friendly spaces and family programs.

The Seattle Art Museum reserves the right to prohibit strollers in the galleries on high-volume days when galleries approach or reach capacity.

Can I sketch in the galleries?
Sketching with pencil, pastel, and charcoal is permitted in all galleries of the museum devoted to SAM’s collection. The use of ink, fountain pens, or watercolors is prohibited.

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 on our Accessibility page.
Service animals are the only animals welcome in the museum.

Do you accommodate other languages on your tours?
American Sign Language is available for all public tours upon request with four weeks notice. Please email us, call 206.654.3137 (TTY), or 206.654.3123 (voice) for more information. Printed copies of the current audio tour may be available at the Ticketing Desk.
All printed materials are only available in English at this time.

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.

PLAN AN EVENT AT SAM

​How do I check for availability or reserve an event space?
Contact the Facilities Marketing Manager 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. It’s a good idea to contact the Facilities Marketing Manager 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 TASTE Events to provide exclusive catering at all SAM locations. All food and beverage arrangements must be made directly with TASTE Events.

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.

If your question is not listed above, please email us at facilities@seattleartmuseum.org.​

How can I find out if a specific object or type of object is in the SAM collection?
Please take advantage of eMuseum, SAM's online collection system. It provides access to the nearly 25,000 objects in our holdings. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please email us at collection@seattleartmuseum.org.

Where can I find information about recent acquisitions?
See 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 not on view or you can’t find what you need with the libraries, please contact collection@seattleartmuseum.org.

How can I get an image of something I saw on view at SAM?
For scholarly papers and other publications, the Image Rights Department can license images of artworks and historic images of exhibitions and events.

How can I learn more about an artwork in my own collection?
SAM curatorial staff cannot offer such services. Electronic re​sources​ 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?
Please see the Art Submission Guidelines for complete details.​​​​​​​​​

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 (SAM downtown) and the McCaw Foundation Library (Asian Art Museum), and a lending library for educators: the Ann P. Wyckoff Teacher Resource Center (Asian Art Museum). The research libraries’ combined collection is over 45,000 volumes. The Ann P. Wyckoff Teacher Resource Center has over 4,000 resources.

Are the SAM Libraries open to the public?
SAM’s libraries are available for research by appointment only. Materials must be used in the library reading rooms. The McCaw Library will be closed during the Asian Art Museum renovation and the Ann P. Wyckoff Teacher Resource Center (TRC) will be closed beginning March 2, 2017.

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.

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