The Smithsonian Museums are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Some of the features include:
- Accessible facilities and at least one entrance that is accessible to visitors with limited mobility. View our Accessibility Map (PDF) for accessbible entrances, parking, and more.
- Free manual wheelchair loans available at every museum in Washington, D.C., and the National Zoo on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are welcome to use their own mobility devices. Please note this does not include devices used strictly for recreational purposes.
- Open captioning of exhibition videos and audio description incorporated into some exhibitions.
- Tactile elements included throughout the museums. Tactile and/or verbal description tours can be arranged by contacting a museum; two weeks advance notice is appreciated. For details, visit the museums' websites below.
- Sign language interpretation for scheduled tours can be arranged by contacting the museum; two weeks advance notice is appreciated. For details, visit the museums' websites below.
- Access services for public programs can be arranged by contacting the museum in advance. For details, visit the museums' websites below.
- IMAX movies shown during regular museum hours of operation offer assistive listening devices, audio-description and rear-window captioning. For details, view our IMAX Theater and Planetarium Accessibility FAQ.
- The Smithsonian Guide and Map is available in Braille onsite at the museum information desks. A large print version (PDF) of the Guide and Map is available online and onsite at museum information desks.
- Resources for visitors with cognitive and sensory processing disabilities are available online.
