FREE Admission, Open to the Public. 505 Bemidji Ave N., Bemidji, MN 56601 MAP →
Phone: 218-444-7570
EMail: watermark@paulbunyan.net
Regular Hours: Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm
Closed Memorial Day and Labor Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas (Dec 24, 25 & 26), New Years (Dec 31, Jan 1 & 2)
Watermark Art Center received a grant in early 2024 for improvements to accessibility accommodations in the Center and for Watermark sponsored events. This activity is made possible from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Watch for these improvements here or in our event announcements.
Plan Your Visit
Watermark Art Center strives for inclusivity by increasing meaningful access to our visitors. Read our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Statement →
Below is basic information that can help ensure your visit is enjoyable.
If you have questions or feedback about the services listed below, please email watermark@paulbunyan.net or call (218) 444-7570
Region 2 Arts Council is located in our facility and is accessed similarly.
Wearing masks at Watermark Art Center is optional.
Please respect the health of our staff and visitors and wear a mask if you have been recently exposed to a contagious illness or feel unwell.
Masks are available for free at the front desk.
Getting to the center
Address 505 Bemidji Avenue N., Bemidji MN
Front Desk (218) 444-7570
E-Mail watermark@paulbunyan.net
We are located across from Library Park on the shores of Lake Bemidji.
If you are not able to visit the center in person, view current and past image galleries of work online.
WI-FI is available to visitors.
Masks are optional.
Our regular hours are 10am – 5pm, Monday – Saturday.
If you prefer to visit us during a quieter time, weekday mornings tend to be less busy.
Closures and Cancelations →
Accessible Entry and Parking
Admission to all exhibitions and the gift shop is FREE and OPEN to the public.
All entrances, galleries, and public areas are accessible to those who use wheelchairs, strollers or mobility devices.
The NORTH SIDE PARKING LOT is spacious with marked accessible parking and ramped access at ground-level, providing no-step entry on the north side of the building.
The NORTH ENTRANCE is equipped with power-assist doors and offers immediate access to the art center.
The best place for drop off and pick up is the NORTH SIDE PARKING LOT. This lot is accessed directly from Bemidji Avenue or via the alley-way that connects 5th Street and 6th Street.
All public areas are on the same level with all entrances; this includes galleries and common areas for gatherings, classes, artist presentations and events.
A guest wheel chair (16 inches wide) is available to visitors free of charge and on a first-come, first-served basis. It is located near the reception area.
Bench or chair seating is available in the galleries. Additional seating will be provided upon request.
Strollers and bags are permitted in the galleries or may be left unattended near the front desk. Wagons are not permitted in the gift shop and some exhibits.
North side pollinator gardens and signage may be viewed from the ramped sidewalk.
Programmatic Accessibility
Directional signage throughout the facility is posted in Braille and English for entrances, restrooms, classroom and galleries.
Artwork is labeled with large text and large text guides are available upon request at front desk.
Should you require special seating arrangements during an event, please contact us so we can prepare for your needs.
Restrooms & Water Fountains
All restrooms have accessible stalls but no power doors. Gendered, multi-user restrooms are located on either side of the front desk. Watermark encourages visitors to use the restroom where they feel most comfortable.
Baby changing stations are located in both restrooms.
An accessible water fountain is located near the front desk.
Guided Tours and Groups
Free docent-led pre-arranged tours are available for blind or partially-sighted visitors. In addition, we welcome field trips for all ages and abilities, family reunions, business organizations or other groups to Watermark for guided tours. Please contact Watermark in advance to schedule your personalized tour. MORE →
If you are interested in an personalized art-making activity in addition to your visit, please contact our Education Director Jill Neumann at jneumann@watermarkartcenter.org or call (218) 444-7570
Special Notices
We do our best to provide notices of any art that may trigger photo sensitivity or seizures. Inquire at the front desk if you have concerns.
Due to the nature of artistic multimedia, detailed transcripts or captioning that describes music or content may not be available for all video.
Watermark does not provide notifications for exhibit material that some visitors may deem inappropriate or offensive. Please contact Watermark with concerns or preview the exhibit’s webpage. Current and Upcoming Exhibits →
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in the art center. If your animal is not a dog, please contact us in advance so we can plan your visit together.
Bicycles
Currently Watermark does not have dedicated bicycle parking, but visitors are welcome to park bicycles in the protected area near the north entrance in a manner that does not block access.
Photo Policies
Photography and video without the use of flash are allowed in the galleries. Exhibits will be marked if otherwise directed.
Photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted.
All commercial use or photography with professional equipment requires advanced permission.
Food and Drink
Watermark does not expressly prohibit food and drink in the facility. Occasionally receptions and special events are catered with light food and drinks. We can not guarantee the safety of visitors prone to allergies, but will do our best if we understand how we are to prepare for your arrival.
Watermark expects that visitors will supervise children and handle food and drink with caution when in the vicinity of other visitors and artwork. Please resist the urge to touch artwork and display accessories.
Membership
Watermark galleries are free and open to the public. Additionally, we offer various tiers of membership that come with exclusive benefits such as discounts on gift shop purchases, class discounts, and participation in our Bi-annual Member Exhibit.