The U.S. Botanic Garden strives to make its collection, programming, and facilities accessible to ensure a successful museum visit for all visitors. To ensure the highest quality experience when planning your visit, please see information below or stop at our Conservatory lobby where trained staff and volunteers can provide information and updates. For additional information, please contact us at USBGaccessibility@aoc.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wheelchairs
The Garden loans wheelchairs to our visitors as a courtesy on a first-come, first-serve basis. A valid driver's license or government-issued picture identification card is needed to borrow a wheelchair and will be returned upon return of the wheelchair. Wheelchairs are to remain on U.S. Botanic Garden property.
Service Animals
We welcome service dogs that are trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability in all areas of the Garden unless the dog poses a direct threat, is not housebroken, or is not under their control. Leashed pets are allowed in the outdoor gardens.
Sensory Bags & Resources
Sensory bags are available to borrow from the Conservatory lobby with a valid driver's license or government-issued picture identification card. Items available to borrow include noise-reducing headphones, weighted lap blankets, and a selection of fidgets to help ease sensory stimulation. These resources are also available for all public programs. The ID will be returned upon return of the sensory bag.
Parking
- Designated accessible parking on Maryland Avenue SW for vehicles bearing a valid Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) disability parking placards or license plates is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- A general sensory tip sheet provides an overview of the different areas of the indoor Conservatory.
- If you are looking for a quieter time to visit, the months of January to early March and mid-July to early September tend to be the least crowded. Early and late afternoon times also tend to be less busy.
Accessible Pathways
There are accessible paths throughout the Conservatory and outdoor gardens. For more information about specific accessible routes through the Conservatory and outdoor gardens, please inquire in the Conservatory lobby upon arrival.
Additional Resources
Audio Tours
The Garden’s audio tour is accessible by mobile phone.
Benches
Benches can be found throughout the indoor Conservatory and provide ample opportunity for rest. Seasonal tables, umbrellas, and chairs can also be found throughout the outdoor gardens and offer a place to stop and admire the surroundings.
Breastfeeding & Lactation
Breastfeeding is welcome in all areas of the Garden. There are no private breastfeeding lounges or lactation stations for electronic pumping. Refrigeration or heating of expressed milk or formula is not available.
Color Blind Glasses
Color blind glasses are available to borrow in the Conservatory lobby with a valid driver's license or government-issued picture identification card. These glasses are engineered to give those with color blindness the ability to see more of the broad spectrum of bright color. Outdoor and indoor lenses are available to optimize your experience. Youth sizes are also available. The ID will be returned upon return of the glasses.
Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices
The U.S. Botanic Garden accommodates the use of some Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs), which are vehicles that are not wheelchairs, but rather electric devices designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility limitations. In the interest of maintaining a safe and pedestrian-friendly environment, operating a mobility device at a speed greater than the flow of the surrounding pedestrian traffic is prohibited. Permitted mobility devices include electric OPDMDs and other single-seat electric scooters with three or more wheels that cannot exceed 6 miles per hour and Segways® with a steering handle operating only in “turtle” mode.
Restrooms and Changing Tables
Accessible facilities and children’s changing tables are found in both men’s and women’s restrooms.
Visitor Guides
The Garden's Map and Visitor Guide is available in nine languages, Braille, and large print and may be picked up in the Conservatory lobby or downloaded as a PDF.
Specialized Programs & Program Resources
For any questions or more information about specialized programs and program resources, contact us at USBGaccessibility@aoc.gov.
Morning at the Garden and Evening at the Garden (Sensory-Friendly)
Quarterly early openings provide museum access to individuals with cognitive and sensory processing disabilities and their families by offering early entrance for registered participants, pre-visit materials, and a take-a-break space. These programs are coordinated in conjunction with current exhibits.
Upcoming events:
- Sensory-Friendly Evening at the Garden, Dec. 7, 5:30 - 8 pm. Registration required.
- Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Garden, Dec. 8, 8:30 - 10 am. Registration required.
Transcription (Online programs)
Real-time speech-to-text transcription is available for online programming. This service is ideal for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities as well as people with autism, auditory processing disorders, and other communication needs.
Assisted Listening Devices
Assisted Listening Devices (headsets and receivers) are available upon request from a member of the visitor service team for all guided tours and public programs. The headsets are compatible with hearing aids.
Sign Language Interpretation
In cooperation with the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, the U.S. Botanic Garden offers sign language interpretation upon request. If possible, please allow at least five business days to schedule an interpreter.