Guggenheim Offers Accessible Tours
Famed Art Museum Has After-Hours Tours for Blind and Deaf Visitors
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, among the world’s most renowned museums and one of America’s architectural achievements, welcomes visitors who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf to attend one of its monthly after-hours programs that include accessible tours, discussions, and a reception.
The Guggenheim is located on New York’s Upper East Side at 1071 5th Avenue and 89th Street. In 2009, the museum celebrates 50 years in the famous building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The museum’s collection includes Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern, and contemporary art with special exhibitions featured throughout the year.
Guggenheim’s Accessible Programs for the Blind and Deaf
Programs for the blind and visually impaired are presented through verbal imaging and touch, while separate programs for the deaf are presented in American Sign Language, with no voice interpreter.
Tours take place on Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. There is no admission fee or tour charge.
Assistive listening devices for visitors who are hard-of-hearing are also available in the museum for daily Educator Eye museum tours at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Accessibility
The Guggenheim accommodates visitors with disabilities with physical access to the museum and tour information provided in accessible formats.
For Wheelchair Users
- The museum is wheelchair accessible except for the High Gallery, located at the top of the first ramp, accessible by two low stairs. The first and second rotunda ramps offer partial views of the High Gallery
- The museum’s café is accessible via the outdoor ramp or the indoor chair lift. Please ask a security guard to assist you
- Wheelchair accessible bathrooms are available on the first floor by the café, the Sackler Center in the basement, and on the 7th floor.
- Elevators are available from the ground floor
- Wheelchairs are available free of charge (though not in advance); please ask a security guard at the entrance for assistance. Neck loops are available for audio tours
- Individuals assisting persons in manual wheelchairs are entitled to a free admission ticket.
For the Visually Impaired
- Large-print versions of museum guides and transcripts of the audio tour are available at the admissions desk
- Audio tours are available covering the special exhibitions, selections of the permanent collection, and the architecture of the building. Neck loops are available for audio tours; ask the staff at the audio desk for assistance
- Service dogs are allowed in the museum.
For the Hearing Impaired
- Infrared assisted listening devices are available for all performances and lectures presented in the museum’s Peter B. Lewis Theater. Ask an usher for assistance
- Audio tour transcripts are available the audio desk.
Guggenheim Staff Can Address Accessibility Concerns
The staff at the information desk, just to the left as you enter, can answer any questions relating to accessibility.
In addition, Gallery Guides are posted around the museum and are happy to answer questions about artwork or other museum issues.
The museum also offers docent tours, which can provide insight into various areas of the museum. Schedules vary, so call ahead or check the museum calendar.
Space for the monthly accessible tours is limited. Call 212.360.4355 or RSVP via email to reserve a spot. Call 212.423.3618 for general questions on accessible visits
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The Guggenheim Building Turns 50 in 2009
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