1. Overview
These U.S. museums prioritize accessibility; here’s what you can expect on a visit to each one.
2. Accessibility in Museums
Visiting a museum should be an enriching activity available to everyone. Therefore, it is crucial for cultural institutions to prioritize accessibility. Miriam Eljas, co-founder and CEO of accessibleGO.com, notes that many museums have developed programs to better serve guests who use wheelchairs or require audio and visual assistance. Most museums, especially newer ones, are accessible to some degree, but several go above and beyond with special amenities, offerings, and events like sensory days.
3. Top Accessible Museums in the U.S.
Ready to explore? Here are some of the most accessible museums in the U.S. and what to expect during your visit.
The Children’s Museum: Cincinnati
Address: 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio
At The Children’s Museum, kids of all ages will enjoy the stunning views from the wheelchair-accessible treehouse. The museum also features quiet zones and provides noise-canceling earmuffs for sensory-sensitive visitors. Additionally, the museum hosts “Deaf Days” at least once for each exhibit, with interpreters available for communication assistance.
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Address: 200 S. Sierra Madre St., Colorado Springs, Colorado
Spanning 60,000 square feet, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum celebrates athletic excellence with various accessibility features. Visitors can select needed accessibility services during their visit, including audio-described videos or larger font sizes triggered by a tactile floor strip. The museum also offers interactive touchscreens, tactile keypads, and sensory materials like weighted lap pads and sensory bags.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: Indianapolis
Address: 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers a wheelchair-accessible carousel and outdoor sports area where children can try out adaptive sports equipment like wheelchairs, basketballs, soccer balls, and tennis balls. The museum also provides allergy and dietary-friendly menu options in its food court.
National Museum of African American History and Culture: Washington, D.C.
Address: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
This free Smithsonian museum, which opened in 2016, focuses exclusively on African American life, history, and culture. The museum offers braille and raised image maps, large print maps, ASL interpretation, and sensory maps highlighting areas with loud sounds or bright lights, ensuring a comprehensive experience for all visitors.
Miami Children’s Museum: Miami
Address: 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, Florida
The Miami Children’s Museum provides guided tours and an array of sensory materials. Special sound maps designate loud, moderate, and quiet zones to help visitors with sensory sensitivities. Caregivers and therapists can enter free of charge, complementing their therapeutic play guide.
Metropolitan Museum of Art: New York City
Address: 1000 5th Ave., New York, New York
This iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art welcomes visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. The museum features touch tours, ASL programming, and art discussions tailored for those with dementia, as well as virtual programs for art enthusiasts unable to visit in person.
Denver Art Museum: Denver
Address: 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, Denver, CO
The Denver Art Museum accepts all service animals and provides sensory-friendly mornings for families with neurodiverse children. Visitors can access the Sensory Processing and Autism Resource Kit (S.P.A.R.K.), which includes calming items like noise-reducing headphones and fidget toys.
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration: Jersey City, New Jersey
Address: Ellis Island Bridge, Jersey City, New Jersey
The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration provides tactile models to aid in understanding the scale of exhibits. Additionally, all video programming supports induction loops compatible with hearing aids, ensuring a fully accessible experience.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Bentonville, Arkansas
Address: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is designed for wheelchair accessibility and offers specialized tours, family access nights, and summer camps for diverse children and families. This museum also provides EnChroma glasses for colorblind guests, enhancing the experience for all.
The Museum of Flight: Seattle
Address: 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Washington
At The Museum of Flight, visitors can explore a remarkable collection of aircraft while enjoying free admission for caregivers. The facility also features sensory days that allow guests to experience the museum in a more tranquil setting.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: New York
Address: Pier 86, W. 46th St., New York, New York
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, located on an aircraft carrier, truly embraces accessibility. With free admission for personal care assistants and various sensory support materials, the museum ensures all guests feel welcome while providing illustrated guides detailing what to expect throughout the experience.
