The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum welcomes visitors with disabilities to enjoy our collection and special exhibitions and to participate in our programs and events.
Our historic galleries remain as Isabella Stewart Gardner herself arranged them, as stipulated by her will. They have various types of flooring, rooms with narrow doorways, and low light levels to preserve the exquisite works of art on display.
The New Wing expands our ability to provide an exceptional experience for all. It features visitor amenities, learning spaces, a performance hall, and a special exhibition gallery.
Accessing the Museum
Parking & 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.
Getting Around the Museum
Elevators and Lifts
Both the Historic Building, also known as the Palace, and the New Wing have a main elevator for access to all public floors.
The Palace also has a lift as an alternative to the two steps that lead to the main elevator.
The second and third balconies of Calderwood Hall, located in the New Wing, can be accessed using a lift after taking the main elevator to the fourth floor. Please find a staff member for assistance, as escorts are required to access the fourth floor.
Mobility Devices
We have a limited number of wheelchairs, rollators, and canes for use—free of charge—on a first come, first served basis. Please inquire at the Admissions desk. Motorized wheelchairs are permitted, but may not fit through all doorways.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in the Museum.
Gallery Seating
We have benches throughout galleries in the Palace, but fewer on the second and third floors due to the dense installation of the collection.
Restrooms
Accessible stalls are available in all public restrooms. Changing stations are located in both bathrooms on the basement level of the New Wing. All-gender restrooms are available on the second and third floors of the New Wing.
For Visitors Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
We offer braille maps, large print guides for visitors who are blind or have low vision. In addition touch tours are available with advance request. For more information email tours@isgm.org.
Visitor using a large print guide in the Living Room.
For 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 Admissions desk.
American Sign Language (ASL) 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 ASL interpretation and captioning on the Accessibility at the Gardner playlist of our YouTube channel.
Questions?
If you have other access questions or need additional help planning your visit to the Gardner Museum, please call 617 278 5156.