Accessibility

On-site Accessibility

The Block Museum of Art is a fully accessible facility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As a designated “Place of Public Accommodation,” the museum offers no-step entry, elevator access to all galleries and levels, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and designated wheelchair seating in the auditorium.

Exhibition layouts prioritize accessible pathways and meet ADA-recommended height and width guidelines for kiosks and displays. Temporary folding stools are available upon request, and wheelchairs can be arranged through our partnership with Northwestern University’s Department of Accessibility Resources. A gender-neutral restroom has been available since 2016. Convenient drop-off and pick-up access is located directly in front of the museum on Arts Circle Drive. All Block staff are trained to provide accessibility support and foster an inclusive, welcoming environment.

The museum also partners with AccessibleNU to coordinate interpretation services for live events in the auditorium and galleries, with at least 10 business days’ notice. Large-format printed labels are available at the front desk, and label content is also accessible digitally via Bloomberg Connects for use with screen readers and personal devices.

Digital Accessibility

The Block Museum’s digital platforms are designed to be accessible and inclusive for all users. Our main website follows Northwestern University’s accessibility standards and conforms to WCAG 2.0 Level AA guidelines. It supports keyboard navigation, screen readers, and includes alt text for all images.

We partner with UserWay to enhance website accessibility through an on-page widget that offers customizable tools—such as increased contrast, enlarged text, and screen reader enhancements—to support diverse user needs.

To ensure accessible in-gallery experiences, we collaborate with Bloomberg Connects to provide digital access to all wall texts and interpretive materials. These texts are available for screen readers and can be viewed on personal devices, offering flexible access for all visitors.

The Block’s online collection database, hosted on the eMuseum platform, is WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant. As of 2025, alt text has been added to all images in the collection database, ensuring a consistent and accessible experience for screen reader users. We continue to advance digital accessibility by ensuring all new digital content and object records meet current accessibility standards.

Accessibility Contact: Lindsay Bosch, Senior Manager of Communications, Lindsay.bosch@northwestern.edu