The museum has accessible entrances on the first floor and via the parking garage. Two elevators are available, one providing access to our galleries, the other connecting the lobby to the parking garage below. We have two wheelchairs for visitors available to borrow,  located next to the storage lockers in the coat room. Visitors can also request assistance from a welcome desk host.

Paid, ADA-accessible parking is available in the Stanley Art Ramp below the museum. Enter from Museum Drive (formerly Front Street) at the rear of the building and access the museum directly via the elevator lobby in the center. Please pay for parking upon arrival. Note that parking is limited to two hours during enforcement hours. Parking time cannot be extended beyond the maximum two-hour time. For questions or extended parking needs, contact UI Parking & Transportation at 319-335-1475.

Guests without an ADA permit or those using rideshare, taxis, or chauffeur services can be dropped off at the base of the front ramp along the south entrance of the UI Main Library.

UI Parking and Transportation website: Stanley Art Ramp (63)

Plan your visit: public transportation

Hearing needs

Assistive listening devices are available to borrow from the welcome desk. These devices connect with hearing (audio induction) loops in the lobby and the third-floor visual classroom, providing clear audio for presentations and events. Guests may also connect to the hearing loops by switching their personal hearing devices to the T-coil program.

ASL interpretation is available upon request and free of charge for any museum program, event or class visit. Please contact the Stanley in advance at 319-335-1727.

Visual needs 

Select wall labels throughout the galleries display StoriDots (QR codes) offering verbal descriptions of select artworks. StoriDots can be accessed from any smart device using wireless internet–no download is required.

Large-print versions of self-guided tours are available at the welcome desk. Guests may also borrow iPads by leaving a name and phone number. Accessing the iPad camera will allow guests to expand the size of wall label texts.

Free touch tours for visitors who are blind or partially sighted and their companions are offered by appointment. Explore the galleries with a skilled museum educator while experiencing a selection of objects through touch and other senses. Available in groups of 3 (plus companions), these 90-minute tours take place in the galleries and require four weeks’ advance notice to schedule.

request a touch tour

The Stanley Museum of Art has partnered with KultureCity® to enhance our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for all guests during all events. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing needs by providing staff with annual training and by offering the following resources and accommodations to our guests.

KultureCity® Sensory bags

Complimentary KultureCity® Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, feeling thermometer, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones are available for checkout at our welcome desk by leaving a name and phone number.

Quiet Space

The Family Quiet Room on the third floor offers a secure, private, and quiet space for visitors.

Headphone Zones

Loud areas are indicated with designated signs in select galleries where exhibitions incorporate audio.

Weighted Lap Pads

Complimentary weighted lap pads are available upon request at our welcome desk by leaving a name and phone number.

Before your visit, explore our KultureCity Social Story to learn more about the Stanley and the Sensory bags we offer. 

You may also download the free KultureCity app: 

• iPhone: http://bit.ly/KCiphone 
• Android: http://bit.ly/KCandroid

Benches are placed throughout the galleries should you need a place to rest or reflect during your visit. Lightweight folding stools are also available to carry with you through the galleries with you. If you find it preferable to borrow a wheelchair, you may speak with a guest services associate or visit the welcome desk in the lobby.

The Stanley Museum of Art provides a private Family Quiet Room to support visitors who are lactating or require a short health or wellness break. The room is located on the third floor near the restrooms and is secure, clean, and easy to use.

Accessible restrooms are available on the first, second and third floors of the museum. An all-gender restroom is located on the first floor at the north end of the lobby.

Families with young children are always welcome at the museum. If you choose to carry your children, please keep them in front of you. Children may walk through the galleries while supervised by a parent. Strollers are also welcome in the galleries.

Iowa law allows breastfeeding of infants in any public space, at any time. The Family Quiet Room on the third floor near the restrooms offers a quiet place with comfortable seating to nurse. The room is private, accessible, and can be locked from the inside. Additionally, the room offers easy access to electrical outlets, a handwashing station, and a mini-fridge for temporary storage of expressed milk. All public restrooms and the Family Quiet Room are equipped with changing tables.

All artwork labels and gallery wall didactics are offered in both English and Spanish.

Guests may borrow iPads from our welcome desk by leaving a name and phone number. The iPad's Translation app will allow guests to convert wall label texts to their preferred language.

Admission to the Stanley Museum of Art and all its associated events and programming is always free.

Service animals trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability are welcome in all public areas of the museum.