JeffSpace Washington Accessibility Guide

Some of the information listed below may not be accurate due to various reasons, including Security Issues that were not relevant when this guide was written.

The District

Arts and Industries Building Accessibility

CLOSED TEMPORARILY

The building has two accessible entrances, one is on the Jefferson Drive side of the building and the other is on the Enid Haupt Garden side of the building (just behind the Smithsonian Castle). Both have fully automatic doors.

Parking: Several designated accessible parking spaces are available on Jefferson Drive, seven are located across the street from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and another seven are located across from the Freer Gallery.

Public transportation: Take either Metrorail's Blue or Orange line to the Smithsonian Station. The elevator is located at the station's Independence Avenue exit, at 12th Street S.W., two blocks west of the Independence Avenue entrance to the Enid Haupt Garden, the Arts and Industries Building will be on your right.

U.S. Capitol Accessibility

All public tours of the Capitol are accessible. Individuals with disabilities may also take a tour tailored to their individual needs, provided by the Congressional Special Services Office. The CSSO provides tours Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tours last approximately one hour. Walk-up tours are accommodated as staff availability permits. The best way to receive a tour if you are disabled is to contact your congressman's office or contact the CSSO at 202-224-4048 (voice) or 202-224-4049 (TTY). The CSSO is located on the Crypt Level, just ask a Police Officer at the door for directions. All of the public spaces of the Capitol are accessible.

Restrooms: No public restrooms are available at this time.

Parking: There is very little public parking available in this area and no public parking around the White House.

Public transportation: Take either Metrorail's Blue or Orange line to the Capitol South Station, the elevator is located at the station's main exit, and on D Street SE. The Capitol Building is located about 3 blocks north of the station, by going west half a block to New Jersey Avenue and going north on New Jersey Avenue to the Capitol.

Corcoran Gallery of Art Accessibility

Accessibility in the Corcoran Gallery is affected greatly by the age of the building. An accessible entrance is located at the south side of the building, on E Street, and has a push-button activated door. In order to reach the main level you must alert someone at the security desk, just inside the door, that you need the elevator. They will direct you towards the elevator and someone will bring it. Unfortunately, there is no public elevator, so you must alert someone on staff when you need an elevator called.

Restrooms: One accessible companion restroom is available on the first floor.

Parking: No designated accessible parking is available near the museum. Very limited street parking is available nearby.

Public transportation: Take either Metrorail's Blue or Orange line to the Farragut West Station, the elevator is located at the station's 18th Street exit, four blocks north of E Street. Or on the Red line to the Farragut North Station, the elevator is located at the station's K Street exit, five blocks north of E Street (on Connecticut Avenue which becomes 17th Street). The Corcoran Gallery is located at the corner of E Street and 17th Street.

Freer Gallery of Art Accessibility

Wheelchair access to the Gallery is located at the Independence and 12th Street SW entrance. An elevator provides access to the collection and exhibition areas. A second elevator also provides access to the gift shop, small gallery space and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Asian Art Museum. Restrooms within the gallery are not easily accessible, but a unisex handicapped bathroom is available in the International Gallery which can be reached through the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.

Parking: Several designated accessible parking spaces are available on Jefferson Drive, seven are located across the street from the Freer Gallery and another seven are located across from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (on the other side of the Smithsonian Castle).

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Orange or Blue line to the Smithsonian Station, the elevator is located at the Independence Avenue Exit. The Freer Gallery is located across 12th Street.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Accessibility

Museum Building: Both entrances to the Museum Garden (one on Jefferson Drive and one on Independence Avenue), where the entrance to the museum itself is located, provide wheelchair access. The Independence Avenue entrance is completely level; the wheelchair accessible entrance into the Museum is located around the other side of the glass lobby. Wheelchair access on the Jefferson Drive entrance is located to the right of the stairs, near the entrance to the Ripley Garden; from the ramp follow the path to the Plaza, go right and cross the plaza (going past the fountain), the wheelchair accessible entrance is located on the right side of the glass lobby. To gain entry he must push the doorbell button located on the door frame and a guard will open the door. All levels of the Museum can be reached via elevator (NOTE: The elevator is very small and may be difficult for some people to use).

Sculpture Garden: The Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden is located across Jefferson Drive from the Hirshhorn Museum. The main entrance is not wheelchair accessible, so it is necessary to circle around to the other side of the Sculpture Garden, by following the wheelchair access signs. Unfortunately, part of this circuitous route is over semi-compacted gravel. It is difficult for wheelchair and scooter users to get over, as well as people who have difficulties walking on unlevel surfaces. Once you are at the wheelchair accessible entrance the entire Sculpture Garden is accessible via ramps.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Orange, Blue, Yellow or Green line to the L'Enfant Plaza Station, the elevator is located at the 7th Street, Maryland Avenue, Smithsonian Museums Exit. Upon exiting the elevator turn left, go up 7th Street and cross Independence Avenue, the museum is right on the corner and an accessible entryway is located on independence Avenue.

National Air and Space Museum Accessibility

National Mall Building

Parking: Seven designated accessible parking spaces are located on Jefferson Drive, directly in front of the museum.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Orange, Blue, Yellow or Green line to the L'Enfant Plaza Station, the elevator is located at the 7th Street, Maryland Avenue, Smithsonian Museums Exit. Upon exiting the elevator turn left, go up 7th Street and cross Independence Avenue, the museum is located on the other side of 7th Street and an accessible entryway is located on Independence Avenue.

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The Udvar-Hazy Center is the latest addition to the Air and Space Museum and is very accessible. The main entrance is wheelchair accessible and includes pushbutton activated doors. All levels of the Museum can be reached by elevator or ramps, accept for the observation tower which is only accessible via elevator. The slope of the ramps are very subtle, but may be difficult for people in manual wheelchairs or those with difficulty walking (manual wheelchairs are available).

Parking: A large amount of designated accessible parking is available on site. All parking at the facility is provided for a fee.

Public transportation: The NASM Express Shuttle Bus runs from the National Mall Building to the Udvar-Hazy Center several times a day. The service does provide wheelchair access. The shuttle is run on a fee basis. More Info: NASM Express Shuttle Information

National Building Museum Accessibility

Wheelchair access to the Museum is located at the 4th and G Street entrances. There are two elevators in the building. Accessible restrooms are located on the second floor.

Restrooms: Moderately accessible restrooms are located on the second floor.

Parking: Three designated accessible parking spaces are available behind the Museum, but is often taken.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Red line to the Judiciary Square Station, the elevator is located at the Building Museum exit (at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial) . The Building Museum is located across F Street.

National Gallery of Art Accessibility

For such a large Museum complex, this Museum provides some of the best handicapped accessibility in the Washington area. Because of the size and scope of the National Gallery I will describe the Museum in sections: East Building (bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue, 3rd Street, Madison Drive and 4th Street), West Building (bounded by Constitution Avenue, 4th Street, Madison Drive and 7th Street) and Sculpture Garden (bounded by Constitution Avenue, 7th Street, Madison Drive and 9th Street).

East Building

The main entrance is wheelchair accessible by ramp and is located on the 4th Street side of the building. A guard will open the accessible door located to the left of the revolving doors. Four elevators provide access to all levels of the building and are located at the corners of the building. It is recommended that you ask a guard for assistance if you are unsure of which elevator will take you where. Access to the West Building is easily made through the Concourse level of the East Building.

Restrooms: Two sets of restrooms are located on the Concourse Level, one adjacent to the Concourse Sales Shop is moderately accessible and the other is relatively inaccessible to wheelchairs. One set of moderately accessible restrooms is located on the Upper Level near the Terrace Cafe. An accessible Family/Companion Restroom is located on the Mezzanine, directly across from the main elevator. Pushbutton activated doors provide access to this restroom.

West Building

The accessible entrance is located on the Constitution Avenue side of the building, at 6th Street. It is ramped and the center doors are pushbutton activated. Elevators are located on both sides of the Constitution Avenue entrance and at both ends of the building. Access to the East Building is available at the eastern end of the West Building through the Concourse; from the ground floor wheelchair users must use a small lift located in the Sculpture Galleries and then use the elevator to go down to the Concourse, from the main floor simply take the elevator to the Concourse Level.

Restrooms: Moderately accessible restrooms are located on the Ground Floor at both ends of the building and on both sides of the Garden Cafe (which is accessible using pushbutton activated doors). A moderately accessible restrooms are located on the Main Floor adjacent to the elevators by the Constitution Avenue exit. An accessible Family/Companion Restroom is located on the Main Floor in the hallway leading to the Mens Restroom.

Sculpture Garden

All entrances to the Sculpture Garden are wheelchair accessible. Only one set of stairs is located within the Sculpture Garden, but are easily avoidable. Portions of the Garden have compacted stone pathways, while the rest of the garden pathways are made of pavers. The Pavilion Cafe, located within the Sculpture Garden, has a pushbutton activated door located to the left of the revolving doors and at the rear of the building near the restrooms.

Restrooms: Moderately accessible restrooms are located in the rear of the Pavilion Cafe and are accessible by pushbutton activated doors.

Parking: Several designated accessible parking spaces are available nearby. 4 spaces in front of the East Building, on 4th Street. 2 spaces at the corner of Madison Drive and 4th Street. 2 spaces on Madison Drive directly in front of the West Building Main Entrance. 3 spaces on Madison Drive, past 6th Street in front of the Sculpture Garden.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Yellow or Green line to the Archives-Navy Memorial Station. The elevator is located at the exit. Upon exiting the elevator go south on 7th Street two blocks and cross Constitution Avenue. The Sculpture Garden will be on your right, at the corner of 7th Street and Constitution Avenue. The West Building accessible entrance is one block up Constitution Avenue, at the intersection with 6th Street. The East Building is at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 4th Street, the accessible entrance is on 4th Street.

National Museum of African Art Accessibility

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Orange or Blue line to the Smithsonian Station, the elevator is located at the Independence Avenue Exit. The Museum of African Art is located across 12th Street and one block down on Independence Avenue.

National Museum of American History Accessibility

Both entrances to the museum (on Madison Drive and Constitution Avenue) are wheelchair accessible and feature fully automatic doors. On Madison Drive accessible pathways to the accessible entrance are located at both ends of the plaza in front of the museum. Elevators provide access to all levels of the museum. All of the museum exhibits are accessible. The Carmichael Auditorium has wheelchair seating available in the rear of the Auditorium and also has an audio loop system for people with hearing disabilities.

Parking: Two designated accessible parking spaces are located on Madison Drive near the center ramp of the plaza and three spaces are located on Madison Drive near the East ramp.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Orange or Blue line to the Federal Triangle Station, the elevator is located at the Exit. Upon exiting the elevator, proceed south on 12th Street (towards Constitution Avenue), cross Constitution Avenue and go right. A sidewalk towards the museums accessible entrance is located about half a block from the corner.

National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian opened in 2004 and appears to be designed with universal design principles throughout. Two accessible pathways provide access to the Welcome Plaza, one off of Maryland Avenue near the intersection with 3rd Street and one on 4th Street near the intersection with Jefferson Drive. The main entrance is located at the Welcome Plaza and is wheelchair accessible, with a push button activated door on the right side of the entrance. Once inside, a ramp is located on your left and stairs on your right, both providing access to the Potomac (or Rotunda) area of the Museum. Four spacious elevators with large push buttons provide access to all levels of the Museum and are located near the end of the ramp. The Main Theater provides 6 spaces for wheelchairs in the 8th row (Row H), it also provides on-screen closed captioning and assisted listening devices. The Preparation Theater (4th floor) is also wheelchair accessible, it provides handheld captioning devices and assisted listening devices.

Restrooms: All public restrooms are moderately accessible. A companion/family restrooms is located on the third floor of the Museum.

Parking: Five designated accessible parking spaces are located on Maryland Avenue SW, between 3rd Street and Independence Avenue.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Blue or Orange line to Federal Center SW Station, the elevator is located at the main exit. To reach the American Indian Museum, go right on D Street then turn left on 3rd Street, go three blocks north to Maryland Avenue. The building entrance will be on your left.

National Museum of Natural History Accessibility

The Museum of Natural History is accessible from the Constitution Avenue in entrance, the Mall entrance is about a flight of stairs. The entrance has a fully automatic door on the right-hand side. All levels of the museum are accessible by elevator (2 in the Rotunda and 2 in the Atrium). All exhibits are accessible, as well as the Johnson IMAX Theater. Wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis.

Restrooms: All public restrooms are moderately accessible. A companion/family restroom is located on the first floor, through the Pacific Cultures Hall, just off the Rotunda. To reach this restroom, enter the Pacific Cultures exhibit and make the first right, the restrooms will be directly in front of you.

Parking: Five designated accessible parking spaces are located on Madison Drive, in front of the Museum.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Orange or Blue line to the Federal Triangle Station, the elevator is located at the Exit; upon exiting the elevator proceed south on 12th Street to Constitution Avenue, cross Constitution Avenue and turn left a (you'll have to cross 12th Street), then proceed to the second driveway and follow the sidewalk up to the entrance. You may also take Metrorail's Yellow or Green line to the Archives-Navy Memorial Station, the elevator is located at the stations exit; the Museum of Natural History.

National Portrait Gallery Accessibility

The National Portrait Gallery is scheduled to reopen in Washington DC on July 4, 2006.

National Postal Museum Accessibility

The National Postal Museum is one of the first Smithsonian museums constructed after the ADA. Accessibility in this remodeled building isthe wonderful. Accessible entrances to the building are located on 1st Street NE, facing Union Station and on North Capitol Street. An elevator located to the left of the escalators at the entrance of the museum take you to the main floor. All exhibits are completely accessible. Accessible bathrooms are available behind the escalators.

Restrooms: Moderately accessible restrooms are located near the elevator, below the escalators.

Parking: No designated accessible parking is available at the building, only nearby street parking and a public parking garage across 1st Street at Union Station.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Red line to Union Station, the elevator is located at the Amtrak exit. To reach the museum, proceed through the gates and circle around to the left to the exit. Upon exiting, cross the street, turn left and proceed to the corner, where the museum entrance is located.

National Shrine Accessibility

The National Shrine has designated accessible parking spaces and an accessible entrance just in front. An elevator is available, just follow the signs or ask at the information desk. Tours are almost completely accessible, except for a small portion that is not ramped.

The Newseum Accessibility

The Newseum is expected to reopen in Washington DC in 2007.

Phillips Collection Accessibility

The Phillips Collection takes up two buildings which are attached by a walking bridge. The main entrance of the building is accessible, but the doors may be difficult to maneuver without assistance. Both buildings have elevators, but to get from one building to the other you must use a small chair lift located on the third floor (a staff member must operate lift). The chair lift may be difficult for some to fit into, if this is the case the staff will let you exit the main building and enter through a staff entrance. Wheelchairs are available at the coat check on a first come, first served basis.

Parking: No designated accessible parking is available and parking in general is difficult at best.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Red line to the Dupont Circle Station, the elevator is located at the Q Street exit. Go left on Q street one block, crossing 21st Street. The museum entrance is located halfway up 21st Street (between Q and R Streets) on the left.

Renwick Gallery Accessibility

The Renwick Gallery is surprisingly accessible for its age. The accessible entrance is located on the left side of the steps. The door, unfortunately, is manual and requires that you be able to pull the door open. Often there is a guard outside who may be able to help. Once inside the elevator is located straight ahead on the left. From here, both floors are completely accessible. An accessible companion restroom is located just inside the gift shop.

Parking: No designated accessible parking is available near the museum. Limited street parking and garages are available nearby.

Public transportation: Take either Metrorail's Blue or Orange line to the Farragut West Station, the elevator is located at the station's 18th Street exit, one and one-half blocks north of Pennsylvania Avenue. Or on the Red line to the Farragut North Station, the elevator is located at the station's K Street exit, three blocks north of Pennsylvania Avenue (on Connecticut Avenue which becomes 17th Street). The Renwick Gallery is located at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street.

S. Dillon Ripley Center and International Gallery Accessibility

Wheelchair access to the Gallery is located at the main entrance in the Enid Haupt Garden. Access to the S. Dillon Ripley Center and International Gallery is available on the third level of the Sackler Gallery. Restrooms within the gallery are not easily accessible, but a unisex handicapped bathroom is available in the International Gallery which can be reached from the Sackler Gallery.

Restrooms: All public restrooms are moderately accessible. A companion/family restroom is located on the third sub-level, in the hallway leading to the International Gallery and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Orange or Blue line to the Smithsonian Station, the elevator is located at the Independence Avenue Exit. The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery is located across 12th Street and one block down on Independence Avenue.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of Art Accessibility

Wheelchair access to the Gallery is located at the main entrance in the Enid Haupt Garden near Independence Avenue, between 12th and 4th Streets. Two elevators provide access to the entire museum. Wheelchair access to the Freer Gallery is available on the first level of the Sackler Gallery. Wheelchair access to the S. Dillon Ripley Center and International Gallery is available on the third level of the Sackler Gallery. Restrooms within the gallery are not easily accessible, but a unisex handicapped bathroom is available in the International Gallery which can be reached from the Sackler Gallery.

Restrooms: All public restrooms are moderately accessible. A companion/family restroom is located in the S. Dillon Ripley Center which is accessible from the third sub-level of the Museum, in the hallway leading to the International Gallery

Smithsonian American Art Museum Accessibility

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is scheduled to reopen on July 4, 2006.

U.S. Botanic Garden Accessibility

The U.S. Botanic Garden is completely accessible. It currently consists of Bartholdi Park and The Conservatory. Bartholdi Park is completely accessible with two accessible entrances, on Washington Avenue and First Street. The Conservatory is accessible by way of the Maryland Avenue entrance. The entire facility is completely accessible, including an elevator to the upper-level.

Restrooms: Moderately accessible restrooms are available inside The Conservatory.

Parking: Two designated accessible parking spaces are located in front of the building on Maryland Avenue. Five additional spaces are located on Maryland Avenue next to the National Museum of the American Indian, near 3rd Street.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Blue or Orange line to Federal Center SW Station, the elevator is located at the main exit. To reach the Botanic Garden, go right on D Street then turn left on 3rd Street, go three blocks north to Maryland Avenue and turn right. The buildings entrance will be on your right, just across from The Capitol.

U.S. National Archives Building Accessibility

The National Archives Building is completely accessible. The main entrance and exit a wheelchair accessible, however there are two sets of relatively heavy doors and no door opener. Elevators and ramps provide access to the main floor exhibition areas. The Charters of Freedom (i.e. Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights) are now in completely accessible cases.

Parking: Very little street parking is available in this area, however designated accessible parking spaces are available on Madison Drive which is one block south of Constitution Avenue.

Public transportation: Take Metrorail's Yellow or Green line to the Archives-Navy Memorial Station, the elevators located at the main exit. To reach the National Archives, proceed south (after exiting the elevator and turning around) on 7th Street NW for 1 ½ blocks, then turn right at Constitution Avenue. The building's entrance is located to the left of the stairs.

White House Accessibility

Tours are ONLY available for groups and MUST be arranged in advance.

The following accessibility information was copied directly from the White House web site:

Mobility-Impaired / Using a Wheelchair: Guests requiring the loan of a wheelchair should notify the officer at the Visitors Entrance Building upon arrival. Wheelchair loans are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Unfortunately, reservations are not possible. Visitors in wheelchairs, or with other mobility disabilities, use the same Visitors entrance and are admitted without waiting in line and without tickets, with up to four members of their party for the public, self-guided tours. Visitors in wheelchairs are escorted by ramp from the entrance level to the ground floor, and by elevator from the ground to the state floor.

Hearing-Impaired: Tours for hearing-impaired groups may be arranged in advance by writing to the White House Visitors Office, Washington, DC 20502. Tours are usually scheduled at 9:00 a.m., between the Congressional and public tour times. Participants enter at the East Appointment gate. Signed tours are available to groups of 8 to 20. Groups are also encouraged to bring their own interpreters. Signing interpretation is also available for individual visitors with advance notice. A Congressional office first issues guided tour tickets to a guest who is hearing-impaired and then contacts the Visitors Office at least 2 weeks in advance to request interpreter service. The Visitors Office TDD (telephone device for the deaf) is 202-456-2121.

Visually-Impaired: Tours for visually-impaired groups may be arranged in advance by writing to the White House Visitors Office, Washington, DC 20502. The tours are usually scheduled at 9:00 a.m., between the Congressional and public tour times. Participants enter at the East Appointment gate. Guide animals are permitted in the White House and the tour will be modified as appropriate.

Parking: Due to security, there is very little public parking available in this area and no public parking around the White House.

World War II Memorial Accessibility

The World War II Memorial is completely accessible and provides all visitors with an equal opportunity to enjoy the memorial. The entire memorial is ramped and there are ample benches for resting throughout the memorial and surrounding park.

Parking: Street parking is not available in this area, however 5 designated van accessible parking spaces and a drop-off area are located right at the memorial. Access to the parking lot and drop-off area are available by going south on 17th Street and exiting on Home Front Drive (just past the memorial on your right), where the sign indicates No Entry Except for Buses and Disabled Visitors.

Public transportation: The nearest Metrorail station is a good half-mile or more to the memorial. Take either Metrorail's Blue or Orange line to the Smithsonian Station, the elevator is located at the Independence Avenue exit. Upon exiting the elevator, turn right and proceed approximately one half-mile along Independence Avenue past the Washington Monument, turn right on 17th Street cross at one of the crosswalks in front of the memorial. Information is also available regarding Tourmobile Accessibility.

Virginia Attractions

George Washington Masonic National Memorial Accessibility

An accessible visitor entrance is located on the right side of the Memorial, it is serviced by two long ramps. The door is not automatic, but has a doorbell with intercom to alert someone that the door needs to be opened. Most of the Memorial is accessible to wheelchairs except one area on the first floor and the observation deck. A stair lift must be used to reach the elevator.

Parking: Three designated accessible parking spaces are available on site at the top of Carlisle Drive on the right side of the Memorial.

Public transportation: Take either Metrorail's Blue or Yellow line to the King Street Station, the elevator is located at the station's main exit. The Memorial is located at the top of Carlisle Drive, by going west on King Street and following signs for the Memorial. Be forewarned that Carlisle Drive has no sidewalk and is very steep.

Lyceum Accessibility

An accessible entrance is located to the left of the building. Both the first and second floors are accessible, an elevator takes you to the second floor.

Parking: One designated accessible parking space is available on site.

Public transportation: Take either Metrorail's Blue or Yellow line to the King Street Station, the elevator is located at the station's main exit. The Lyceum is located about nine blocks east on King Street at Washington Street.

Torpedo Factory Accessibility

An accessible entrance is located at the rear of the building, on the waterfront, where there are also pushbutton activated doors. There is an elevator that goes to all three floors. There is a somewhat accessible restroom on the first floor near the elevator.

Parking: Parking is very limited in this section of Alexandria. Street and garage parking are about all you will find and very little handicapped parking.

Public transportation: Take either Metrorail's Blue or Yellow line to the King Street Station, the elevator is located near the station's two exits. The Torpedo Factory is located about 15 minutes east on King Street.

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