Accessibility
Joseph Albers 'White line square XIII' 1966 colour lithograph printed from aluminium plates Collection of the National gallery of Australia © Josef Albers. Licensed by Bild-Kunst & VISCOPY, Australia more detail
The National Gallery of Australia provides a range of services, facilities and programs to enable visitors with special needs to access the national collection.
- Assisted events
- Accessibility
- Listening devices
- Sign interpreted lectures
- Special access events
- Braille sculpture garden brochure
- Braille guide to the Gallery
- Tours for people with vision impairment
- Students with special needs
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Changes to wheelchair and pram access from underground carpark
The lift that operates between the underground car park and the main entrance level of the gallery is currently being refurbished and will be out of order until 21 November.
Visitors are advised that guests should be dropped off at the road level outside the gallery and proceed up the ramp.
The closest access into the NGA from the underground car park is up the escalator from the sculpture garden.
Visitors who park in the underground car park with prams and wheelchairs are advised that the closest access is up the ramp in the sculpture garden, along Parkes place and up the main entry ramp into the gallery.
For visitors requiring further information, please contact the cloakroom on 6240 6509. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Wheelchairs and strollers are available from the cloakroom. There are two motorised wheelchairs available for use in the general galleries only.
Access to the main entrance is via ramps. People using wheelchairs can navigate the Gallery via lifts and ramps.
Assisted entry to the Gallery is available from the Underground Carpark.
Parking for people with mobility difficulties is available directly opposite the assisted entry sign. To gain entrance to the Gallery press an airphone button below the sign. A security officer will assist you to enter the building via the lower level elevator.
Parking for people with mobility difficulties is also located in the Gallery's street level car park.
If you seek further clarification about these procedures please email Security@nga.gov.au or phone +61 2 6240 6444
If special assistance is required during a visit, please ask the nearest security officer or information officer.
There is a toilet for visitors with special needs in the foyer.
There are Audio Induction Loop Systems installed in the James O. Fairfax Theatre (rows 1–-5), and in the Small Theatre.
Sign interpreted lectures are a regular feature of each major exhibition. Please contact the Gallery for information about forthcoming sign interpreted lectures. email education@nga.gov.au or phone +61 2 6240 6519.
Special access events happen regularly during major exhibitions. It provides an opportunity for people with disabilities, their families and carers, to view major exhibitions without competing with crowds or high level noise. Contact the Gallery for information about forthcoming special access events email eventbookings@nga.gov.au or phone +61 2 6240 6504
Braille sculpture garden brochure
The braille sculpture garden brochure includes an introduction and map of the garden plus descriptive text about the sculptures. Braille brochures are available at the information desk.
The Braille guide includes an introduction to the Gallery and its collections, plus descriptive text and braille images of six key works in the collection. Braille guides are available at the information desk.
Tours for people with vision impairment
Education staff and voluntary guides are available to take people with vision impairment on tours of the Gallery's collection. The tour is hands-on where possible. Bookings are essential for this service. email eventbookings@nga.gov.au or phone +61 2 6240 6504
Programs for students with special needs can be developed in consultation with Gallery Education staff. Sessions are built around workshop activities in the Gallery spaces.
For information about our services and to make bookings please email education@nga.gov.au or phone +61 2 6240 6519.
Carers room
The Gallery currently provides a room for both employees and visitors who may like to use these facilities. The room is located in the foyer, behind the shop.
The room provides a baby changing table, nappy disposal, privacy screen for breastfeeding, comfortable chairs and kitchenette including a microwave.