We are committed to ensuring all visitors are welcome and can enjoy the museum. 

Our Building

Exterior Ramp

Access ramps are located in front of the Museum's main entrance.

Elevators

Elevators are available in several locations throughout the building.

Restrooms

All restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

There is a family/companion care restroom on the main floor near the lockers.

Shopping and Dining

All Museum stores, dining facilities, and water fountains are accessible.

Be aware that we handle and prepare egg, milk, wheat, shellfish, fish, soy, peanut and tree nut products, sesame products and other potential allergens in the food production areas of our facility.

Parking

There are designated accessible parking spaces along the center walkway.

There is a drop-off lane at the entrance of the Udvar-Hazy Center.

Available Onsite

Pre-Visit Materials

Prepare for your visit with a social narrative, that shares what to expect.

Read Social Narrative

Sensory Bags

Sensory bags include noise reduction headphones, fidget toys, and other tools to help make the Museum more accessible for neurodiverse visitors. They can be checked out at the John L. Plueger Family Welcome Center.

Aira Visual Description App

Through this app, sighted agents provide visual descriptions on demand. Use this app for free when visiting the museum and connected to our Wi-Fi. 

Download App

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are available near the security screening on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Resources to Request in Advance

Additional resources are available for free, with advanced notice. Please contact us two weeks in advance to request the following:

Sighted Guide Descriptive Experiences

A sighted-guide will offer you a tour of the Museum. Contact us for more information.

Sign Language Interpretation of Programs

ASL interpretation is already provided for some programs. That will be noted on the event listing. 

For interpretation at another program, or in a different signed language (eg. PSE or Signed English), please contact us. 

Email Us to Request One of These Resources

Bring Your Own

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at the Museum. 

Under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals.

Personal Mobility Devices

Visitors are welcome to bring manual or motorized wheelchairs, scooters, and other manual or power-driven mobility devices when visiting the Smithsonian. 

Gasoline-powered devices are not allowed inside Smithsonian buildings.

Questions About Accessibility?

Contact Us

For more questions, please contact to the Museum's Visitor Services staff via email or via phone at 202-633-2211.

Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility

More resources are available through the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility.