Committed to Accessibility
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum welcomes visitors with disabilities to enjoy our collection and special exhibitions, and to participate in our programs and events. We offer a variety of resources to ensure the accessibility of the Museum and our programming.
Housed in a stunning 15th-century Venetian-style palazzo, the Palace galleries remain as Isabella herself arranged them, as stipulated by her will. The historic building has various types of flooring, rooms with narrow doorways, and low light levels to preserve the exquisite works of art on display.
The New Wing, which opened in 2012, expands our ability to provide an exceptional experience for all. The New Wing features visitor amenities, learning spaces, a performance hall, and special exhibition gallery.
ACCESSING THE MUSEUM
Parking and Arrival
There are two designated handicapped parking spaces and a ramped loading zone in front of the Museum. There are four additional handicap spots at the end of Evans Way park on Tetlow Street.
General Assistance
Visitor Services and Security staff, identified by their staff ID badges, can assist with questions about accessibility resources while you are here.
VISITORS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY
The Museum offers a limited number of wheelchairs, rollators, and canes for use, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. Please inquire at the admission desk. Motorized wheelchairs are permitted but may not fit through all doorways.
Please see additional notes in the “Getting Around the Museum” section of this page and our brochure for navigating specific areas.
VISITORS WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION
Large print and Braille versions of the Introduction to the Museum, and a map of the Museum with tactile reproductions and Braille are available at the Admissions desk--just ask!
Free audio guides, including gallery overviews and walks with artists, are available on our website.
Learn more about our collection with Spotlight Talk videos featuring audio descriptions on the Accessibility at the Gardner playlist of our YouTube channel.
Service animals are welcome in the Museum.
Special tour accommodations are available with advance request, including sighted guides and touch tours. For more information email tours@isgm.org.
VISITORS WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING
The audio tour transcript is available free of charge to visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing- just ask a Visitor Services staff member at the admission desk.
American Sign Language interpretation is available for tours, talks, and public programs upon advance request. For more information, please email tours@isgm.org.
Learn more about our collection with Spotlight Talk videos featuring American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and captioning on the Accessibility at the Gardner playlist of our YouTube channel.
GETTING AROUND THE MUSEUM
Elevators and Lifts
Both the Palace and New Wing have a main elevator for visitor access to all public floors.
The historic palace has a lift as an alternative to the two steps that lead to the main elevator.
The second and third balconies of Calderwood Hall can be accessed using a lift, after taking the main elevator to the fourth floor.
Restrooms
Accessible stalls are available in all public restrooms.
QUESTIONS?
If you have other access questions or need additional help planning your visit to the Gardner Museum, please call