The six most unique and accessible art galleries for vision impaired people

…from touch tours to audio described, exhibitions, and more

As a blind person, going to an art exhibition may sound like a boring day-out. However, times are definitely changing. With the rise of inclusion, more and more galleries are putting accessibility at the forefront of what they do.

Creatives are also experimenting with new art forms that engage all of the senses, as opposed to just sight. Here is our round up of the most unique art tours and experiences for visually impaired people.

Lego Exhibition London

After touring 100 cities in 24 countries and making it onto CNN’s list of must-see exhibitions, Art of the Brick finally arrived in London last month. Its designer Nathan Sawaya used over a million Lego bricks to create the stunning collection of more than 100 works of art. Alongside sculptures, you will find re-imagined versions of the world’s most famous masterpieces including Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. There’s also a play and build area where you can make your own sculptures. Meanwhile, the gift shop sells a range of exclusive Lego items for you to get creative at home.

• When: runs until June 9, 2024
• Where: The Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, London
• General prices: starting at £15.90 for adults and £11.90 for children
• Disability prices: Disabled people pay a reduced price while the accompanying person/carer is entitled to free admission.
• Website: theartofthebrickexpo.com/london

Bubble Planet, London

This enchanting, multi-sensory museum is an experience like no other. Themed around- you guessed it- bubbles, the installation features 11 rooms, each transporting you to a different weird and wonderful world. Dive into ball pits and marvel at the VR technology.

• Where: 22 Fulton Rd, Wembley HA9 0TF
• General prices: starting at £17.90 and £13.90 for children
• Disability prices: Disabled people pay a reduced price while the accompanying person/carer is entitled to free admission.
• Website: bubble-planet.com/london

Nothing Without Us touch tour, Oxford

The University of Oxford runs touch tours for blind and partially sighted people across their gardens, libraries and museums. These take place on the second Thursday of the month, and their upcoming tour is called Nothing Without Us- a gallery trail that exhibits the lived experiences of disabled people. Note advance booking is essential.

• When: Thursday 18th April, 11am-noon
• Where: Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford
• Price: free
• Booking number: 01865 616 988
• Booking email: outreach@glam.ox.ac.uk
• Website: www.glam.ox.ac.uk/touch-tours-blind-and-partially-sighted

The Henry Moore Foundation, Hertfordshire

Surrounded by seventy acres of countryside, this impressive house was the home of Henry Moore- a famed 20th century sculptor and artist. It is now run by the Henry Moore Foundation and, along with a host of other events, they offer specialised group tours to blind and visually impaired visitors. As you saunter around the grounds, you can touch all the sculptures, many of which exhibit textured surfaces.

• When: until 3rd November, Wednesday to Sunday and bank holidays- 11am-5pm
• Where: Dane Tree House, Perry Green, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, SG10 6EE
• General prices: £18 for adults and £8.50 for children
• Disability prices: an accompanying person or carer goes free
• Website: henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens

Touch tours at Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, Cornwall

This beautiful museum preserves the home and workspace of another 20th century sculptor, Barbara Hepworth. Like the Henry Moore Foundation, they run frequent touch tours for VI people, allowing you to feel selected sculptures and discuss their composition, materials and history. They even offer personal guiding using rambletags.

• When: Open daily
• Where: Barnoon Hill, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1AD
• Prices: free
• Booking number: 01736 791 177
• Website: www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/barbara-hepworth-museum-and-sculpture-garden/touch-tours

The Wallace Collection, London

Set in an 18th century townhouse, the Wallace Collection in Marylebone is the ideal place for art and history lovers alike. Here, you will find exceptional paintings, sculptures, ceramics, furniture and armour. They offer audio described tours for VI people, as well as monthly hands-on activities. On 27th April, they will be holding a free family event called Hands on Armour, where you will be able to try on real and replica armour.

• When: open daily from 10am-7pm
• Where: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, W1U 3BN
• Price: free
• Website: www.wallacecollection.org