Memorial Art Gallery AccessibleRochester, NY (May 7, 2025) —The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is proud to highlight its commitment to providing accessible, inclusive, and sensory-friendly experiences for all visitors. From physical accommodations to financial accessibility programs, MAG is dedicated to ensuring that art is available to everyone.

Financial Accessibility

MAG is committed to making art accessible by offering a range of free and discounted admission programs. Free admission is available for children age 5 and under, active University of Rochester students, faculty, and staff, SNAP card holders (along with three guests), School of the Arts students and faculty, Nazareth College students, active-duty military personnel (seasonal), North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) members, and museum employees. Visitors can also take advantage of half-price admission every Thursday and the second Friday of each month from 5:00–8:00 pm. Additionally, those purchasing general admission tickets online receive a $2 discount. Visitors to MAG’s series of Celebration Day events enjoy free admission and access to related activities. The next upcoming Celebration Day is Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration Day on Sunday, May 18. MAG also partners with community programs such as the Monroe County Library System’s VIP Pass Program, Bank of America’s Museums on Us®, and the Blue Star Museums initiative, which provide additional free admission opportunities to eligible visitors.

More information about admissions discounts can be found here.

Physical & Sensory Accessibility

MAG strives to provide an inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors by offering a range of accessibility accommodations. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with free wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis. Service animals are always welcome, and MAG’s Auditorium features a hearing loop system for individuals with hearing loss. Public programs, classes, and tours can be interpreted in ASL upon request. For visitors who are blind or have low vision, MAG offers touch tours and verbal description tours. Visitors can also pick up museum sensory bags (sponsored by Wegmans) at the admissions desk. These bags include noise-reduction headphones, sunglasses, and fidget toys. To help guests prepare for their visit, MAG also offers a Social Story Guide, developed in collaboration with AutismUp, providing a step-by-step overview of what to expect at the museum.

More information about MAG accessibility can be found here.

MAGconnect

MAGconnect aims to improve access by bringing members of the Rochester community to the museum to enjoy a tour and discover its offerings. Free transportation and admission are provided to local groups and organizations that qualify to participate based on financial, transportation, and other accessibility considerations. Guests are also offered a complimentary one-year family membership to visit the museum on their own and continue to enjoy its collections, exhibitions, programs, and amenities. MAGconnect visits last approximately 90 minutes and include a warm welcome, a guided tour where visitors can enjoy and discuss the artwork as a group, a snack in the Pavilion, and a complimentary one-year MAG membership. Each tour can accommodate up to 20 visitors, and additional tours can be scheduled to accommodate larger groups. Tours are available during public hours, Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Thursday until 8:00 pm. Transportation is available upon request with at least one month’s notice. More information about MAGconnect can be found here.

MAGconnect is made possible by ESL Charitable Foundation, Inc., and the Mary S. Mulligan Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, with additional support from Susan Senise. Funding is also provided by the Memorial Art Gallery Community Access Endowment and the FULL MEA5URE Community Endowed Fund.

New Accessibility Programming at MAG

MAG recently launched a new series of accessible programs, beginning with the Composing Color: ASL Guided Tour on Saturday, April 5, 2025. This tour, led by guide Noel King, provided an immersive experience of the exhibition Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas. Designed as a Deaf-Priority Program, the tour was presented exclusively in ASL without voice interpretation, creating a space for visitors who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing to engage with the artwork on their own terms. This event marks the beginning of an ongoing series of accessibility-focused programs at MAG. More events like this are on the horizon, expanding opportunities for inclusive engagement with art. Stay tuned for upcoming programs designed to make the museum an even more welcoming space for all visitors.

Click here to explore all upcoming programs and events.

The Memorial Art Gallery remains committed to enhancing accessibility and inclusion for all visitors. For questions regarding accommodations, please contact access@mag.rochester.edu or call 585.276.8971 at least two weeks before your visit. For more information about accessibility and upcoming programs, visit mag.rochester.edu.

About the Memorial Art Gallery

The Memorial Art Gallery showcases art from antiquity to the present day, including the outdoor public Centennial Sculpture Park. In addition to its permanent collection, MAG offers a year-round schedule of special exhibitions, lectures, concerts, tours, after-hours social events, and family activities. Learn more about the Memorial Art Gallery here.

Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm, Thursdays & Second Fridays, 11:00 am–8:00 pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Admission: $20; senior citizens, $18; college students with ID and children 6–18, $9. Always free to members, University of Rochester faculty, staff, students, and children five and under. Half-price general admission on Thursdays 5:00–8:00 pm, is made possible by Monroe County. Discounted admission tickets are available when purchasing online. For more information, call 585.276.8900 or visit mag.rochester.edu

Press contact: Paige Engard, Marketing & PR Specialist: 585.474.7695 / pengard@mag.rochester.edu

ASSOCIATED IMAGES:

Photo 1: The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is proud to highlight its commitment to providing accessible, inclusive, and sensory-friendly experiences for all visitors.

###