Accessibility

The Detroit Institute of Arts is committed to accessibility for all visitors. Please reach out to us with any questions or accommodation needs. 

A visitor looking at black and white photography in a special exhibition while their service dog sits patiently next to them.

A visitor looks at black and white photography in a special exhibition while their service dog sits patiently next to them.

Accessible Parking

Accessible metered parking is located in front of the Farnsworth entrance. Additional accessible spaces are located in the southwest corner of the DIA’s parking lot on John R. A state-issued disability parking placard is required to use reserved spaces.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Accessible Entrances

The John R Street entrance and Farnsworth Street entrance are both accessible entrances. Our Woodword entrance is not an accessible entrance.

Accessible Restrooms

Men’s and women’s restrooms are located on all three levels of the building. Each has an accessible stall. 

Complimentary Wheelchairs and Scooters

The DIA provides free wheelchairs and scooters to visitors. Please request a wheelchair or scooter from a Visitor Experience Associate upon arrival at our John R Street or Farnsworth Street entrances.

For Visitors Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

American Sign Language 

American Sign Language interpreters may be requested for Museum programs and tours. Please email accessibility@dia.org up to two weeks in advance of the event, and we will do our best to accommodate based on interpreter availability.

Assistive Listening

Assistive Listening Devices are available for films screened in the Detroit Film Theatre Auditorium and programs in the Rivera Court and Great Hall

Computer Activated Real-Time Transcription (CART)

We can provide real-time captioning for lectures by request. Visitors can request this service up to two weeks before the date of the lecture and we will do our best to accommodate based on availability of captioners. Please email accessibility@dia.org to request CART.

Art in ASL

Art in ASL: In partnership with DeafC.A.N.! in Oakland County, the DIA created a series of art talks in ASL to support people who are Deaf and DeafBlind. Each talk features an ASL interpreter, open captions, and audio descriptions with transcripts for braille readers.

Check out Art in ASL on Youtube

For Visitors Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

Descriptive Tours

We can provide live or virtual descriptive tours upon request. Please email accessibility@dia.org up to two weeks in advance to guarantee docent availability.

Gallery Lighting

Gallery lighting is kept dim to prevent the artwork from fading or discoloring over time. Personal lighting devices are permitted, but please be mindful of your proximity to the art. We ask that visitors remain at least 18 inches away from all artwork.