Access Programs

The Portrait Gallery is committed to providing access to all visitors. This page contains information to help you plan your visit so that is as easy and comfortable as possible.

If you have any further questions after reading this page, please contact Visitor Services at 202-633-8300 or email NPGAccess@si.edu

Virtual Portrait Signs

Explore the National Portrait Gallery's collection with a Deaf docent. These 60-minute tours in American Sign Language are usually offered twice a month, both in person and on Zoom. For more information or upcoming dates, email NPGAccess@si.edu, or check Eventbrite.

See Me at the Portrait Gallery:

Experience an interactive virtual tour of the museum that is tailored to individuals with dementia and their care partners. Registration is required. For more information and to register, contact Ashley Grady at Access@si.edu or 202–633–2921.

Tours by Special Request

Tours can be tailored to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of your group. To make arrangements, contact Jonesve@si.edu  or 202-633-8506.

Student Programs

Student programs at the National Portrait Gallery can accommodate a variety of learners, including students with low vision or blindness, developmental or cognitive disabilities, and those requiring ASL interpretation.  To schedule a program for your class, go to the online registration page and provide as much information as possible in the relevant text boxes.

Audio Descriptions of Presidential Portraits

painted portrait of Thomas Jefferson

The Portrait Gallery has developed audio descriptions of select portraits from our signature exhibition, “America’s Presidents.” Designed for people who are blind or have low vision, these descriptions use precise, evocative language to convey the visual appearance of art, and are equally valuable for sighted visitors seeking closer observation.

Visit our Audio Descriptions page

Online Tours in American Sign Language

Enjoy ASL tours on the NPG’s YouTube channel of exhibitions including One Life: Marian Anderson, Portraits of the World: Switzerland and The Outwin 2019: American Portraiture Today.