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Access Programs

The Walker increases accessibility to the art of our time through free programming for visitors with disabilities.

One standing masked adult with a seated adult in a wheelchair look at a photo on the wall, surrounded by other art pieces.
The Walker Art Center welcomes all visitors to engage with the multidisciplinary arts of our time. The museum offers free programming for visitors with disabilities in an inclusive, welcoming environment.
A young adolescent wearing a red NASA tshirt, holding a paintbrush and looking at art supplies on a table

Sensory Friendly Sunday

Sensory Friendly Sunday is a free monthly event for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism, or developmental disabilities. Join us on the second Sunday of every month, from 8 to 11 am, before the museum opens to the general public. Explore select exhibitions, make art, or just hang out in a different setting. All friends and family members are welcome.
Sensory Friendly Sunday was created in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy department.
Several adults standing and presenting to several wheel chaired adults in front of artwork

Tours for Neurodivergent Visitors

The Walker offers customized in-person and virtual tours for individuals of all ages with intellectual disabilities. Led and designed by trained educators, tours are available with three weeks’ notice.
School Programs additionally provide specific offerings for Special Education classrooms, including Citywide Autism Program and inclusive classrooms.
All tours for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are free.
Review tour options and request a tour for students
Review tour options and request a tour for adults
3 adults holding and comparing various small sample pieces

Verbal Description and Touch Tours

Verbal Description and Touch Tours are available free of charge for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Tours incorporate dynamic descriptions of artworks and a range of sensory tools, ranging from touch objects to sound clips. Designed and led by trained educators, tours are available upon request with three weeks’ notice.
Book Verbal Description or Touch Tour here.
In warmer months, the museum also offers Touch Tours of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which include tactile and verbal explorations of select sculptures. Guided Touch Tours of current exhibitions are offered when possible.
An adult with a name tag is speaking to a group of adults in front of artwork

ASL-Interpreted Public Tours

ASL interpretation is provided during one free public tour each month and upon request with three weeks’ notice. Visit the Free Tours page for upcoming dates and more details. To request ASL interpretation for a tour, email tours@walkerart.org.

This project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Logo: Institute of Museum and Library Services

Family Programs are supported by the KHR McNeely Family Foundation, thanks to Kevin, Rosemary, and Hannah Rose McNeely.

Logo: KHR McNeely Family Foundation

Education and Public Programs are supported the Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation and Susan and Rob White.