Discover Smithsonian wheelchair accessible attractions, things to do, tours and activities for disabled travelers. Read our informative review to learn if the Smithsonian is wheelchair accessible and wheelchair friendly or if Wheelchair Jimmy recommends this attraction be avoided by travelers in wheelchairs.
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
- Free manual wheelchair loans available at every museum in Washington, D.C. and the National Zoo on a first-come, first-served basis
- Open captioning of exhibition videos
- 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 with two –weeks advance notice
- Sign language interpretation is available for scheduled tours by contacting the museum with two weeks advanced notice
- Access services can be arranged for public programs by contacting the museum in advance
- IMAX movies shown during regular museum hours of operation offer assistive listening devices, audio-description and rear-window captioning; and Publications and brochures are available in alternate formats available at the Information Desk in Braille and CD or at the Accessibility Program
Jim’s Accessibility Comments:
The Smithsonian is huge with 19 museums so plan you day carefully. It all very wheelchair accessible. The use of public transportation, including taxis, in Washington is recommended. Available street parking is extremely limited. You may contact the Smithsonian and gain additional accessibility information by calling 202.633.1000. The accessibility program information number is 202.633.2921.
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