The Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) is an art museum and professional association at 460 Commercial Street in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Its five galleries feature historic and contemporary Provincetown artists, making it a focused stop for exploring the area’s art and creative history.
- Collection: More than 5,350 works in the permanent collection.
- From North Truro: About 37 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car from Blue Sea, a motor inn in North Truro.
- Admission: General admission is $15; members and children 17 and under enter free.
- Location: 460 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA 02657.
What to See at PAAM
PAAM’s five galleries present historic and contemporary work by Provincetown artists, while its permanent collection spans more than 5,350 works. The museum’s online collection database lists 5,441 items, offering another way to browse the breadth of its holdings.
Founded in 1914 through a collaboration between artists and business people, PAAM set out to exhibit and collect art created by Provincetown artists. Today it describes itself as a professional association of 700 contemporary artists and provides educational and cultural programs year-round.
Allow time to look through the galleries before browsing the collection online or visiting the museum store, which is free to enter.
Current Exhibitions and Events
PAAM holds exhibitions year-round, and they change frequently. Shows regularly draw on both the permanent collection and work by members, so the galleries offer a changing view of Provincetown art.
Opening and artist receptions are free to attend. If you’re planning around a particular exhibition or event, check the official site before you go.
Admission, Hours and Accessibility
General admission is $15, and you pay at the door; reservations are not required. PAAM members and children 17 and under enter free, as do EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders through the Card to Culture program. The museum also offers free public admission during the summer months.
Opening hours
- Wednesday to Sunday: 12 PM–5 PM
- Monday and Tuesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Published regular hours differ: one schedule is Wednesday–Sunday, 12:00–5:00 p.m.; another is Wednesday–Monday, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with Friday hours until 8:00 p.m. Special closing times may apply, so check the official site before setting out.
The museum describes its facility as fully accessible. Accessible parking spaces are available on Commercial Street and in the private Bangs Street lot; you need a parking placard to use them.
A wheelchair is available at the front desk, and you can call 508-487-1750 ahead of time to have it ready. Accessible restroom stalls and baby-changing stations are available, and an elevator serves the second-floor Museum School from the Bangs Street school entrance.
How do you get to PAAM from North Truro?
PAAM is on Commercial Street, which is one-way westbound for motor traffic; Bradford Street is two-way. Commercial Street also permits two-way bicycle traffic.
PAAM has no visitor parking. Street parking on Commercial Street is subject to seasonal fees, and the museum recommends municipal parking lots for most visitors. Macmillan Pier, where ferries dock, is a 0.6-mile walk from PAAM along Commercial Street; a large municipal parking lot is located at the pier.
If you’re planning the wider trip, the guide to getting around North Truro and Provincetown covers local transport. PAAM’s year-round driving directions from Boston use I-93 South, Route 3, the Sagamore Bridge, and Route 6E before directing drivers into Provincetown via Snail Road and Commercial Street.
FAQs
Where is the Provincetown Art Association and Museum?
PAAM is at 460 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA 02657.
How much does admission cost?
General admission is $15. Members and children 17 and under enter free, and eligible EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders can use the Card to Culture program for free admission.
Does PAAM require reservations?
No. Admission is paid at the door, and reservations are not required.
Is PAAM accessible?
PAAM describes its facility as fully accessible, with accessible parking, a wheelchair available by request, accessible restroom stalls, and an elevator to the second-floor Museum School.