Accessibility for Visitors
Making all visitors feel welcome

The Smithsonian strives to make all visitors feel welcome.
- All buildings are accessible and at least one entrance is accessible to visitors with limited mobility. View our Accessibility Map (PDF) for accessible entrances, parking, and more.
- Download and print our large-print guide (PDF) which is also available at all Smithsonian museums in the Washington area).
- Free manual wheelchair loans are available at all museums and the zoo on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Open captioning and audio description are incorporated into exhibition videos.
- Access services for public programs can be arranged by contacting the hosting museum in advance.
- Tactile and/or verbal description tours can be arranged by contacting the hosting museum—two weeks advance notice is appreciated. Tactile elements are included throughout the museums.
- Sign language interpretation for all public programs can be arranged by contacting the hosting museum—two weeks advance notice is appreciated.
- Aira Access mobile information and verbal description service is available at museums in the Washington, D.C., metro area. Visitors can download the free Aira app, connect to each museum's free Wi-Fi, and use the app to speak to an Aira agent using minutes provided courtesy of the Smithsonian. Please visit the Aira Access website for more information.
Additional Information
Museum Details
Pre-Visit Materials
The Smithsonian publishes a variety of pre-visit materials including social narratives, videos, and sensory maps that can assist neurodiverse individuals plan their visit. These pre-visit materials can be found on the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility website and on the websites of many Smithsonian museums.