Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens strives to be as accessible as possible to those who are interested in visiting and learning about our space. Please call us at 215-733-0390 ext. 116 or email education@phillymagicgardens.org with questions or suggestions about accessibility, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
To get a little more background on the space before your visit, please view our Know Before You Go slideshow and watch this video created by Art-Reach, which includes captions and an ASL interpreter (please note that this video was recorded during our COVID closure).
Accessibility at PMG
- Physical Accessibility
Please see this website for useful tips to arrive at PMG via public transportation. The two closest wheelchair accessible subway stations are Walnut-Locust (8.5 blocks away) or 8th & Market (8.5 blocks away). The nearest bus stop is at 11th and South.
Our main gate (located along South Street between 11th and 10th) is a stair-free entrance to the museum. Please call our front desk at 215-733-0390 ext. 119 to be admitted if the gate is not open.
Due to the nature of the artwork, accessibility inside the museum is somewhat limited for wheelchair users and others who need stair-free access. Much of the indoor galleries and parts of the outdoor sculpture garden are accessible. Both the basement (open for guided tours only) and the sculpture garden have narrow passageways and stairways that are not equipped with ramps or elevators. A wheelchair-accessible, single-stall restroom is located in the back gallery. A map of the site can be found here.
This virtual tour offers an option to those who may not be able to enter some of the areas of the museum that can only be accessed by stairs. Please note that this virtual tour only shows the outside portion of PMG, not the indoor galleries. Visitors are also encouraged to explore more of Isaiah Zagar’s mosaic murals through self-guided tours of the surrounding neighborhood. For a full interactive map of the mosaic murals in Philadelphia, check out our mosaic mural map.
Limited seating is available throughout the museum. Please ask our staff for a folding chair if additional seating is needed. Visitors may borrow a standard manual wheelchair on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Sensory Bags
Sensory bags are available for our guests with sensory disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Each bag contains noise-canceling headphones, two fidget toys, sunglasses, a sensory bottle, an emotions chart, and a map of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens that notes areas to sit and where to find a helper if needed.
Bags are free to borrow during your visit and simply require an ID held at our front desk. Please email us at info@phillymagicgardens.org or call us at 215-733-0390 ext. 119 when planning your visit to reserve a bag ahead of time.
- Service Animals
PMG welcomes service animals and friendly pet dogs. We ask that you keep all animals on a leash and clean up after them.
- Touch Tours for People with Vision Loss
PMG is a feast for the senses, and on this tour visitors who are blind or have low vision will get a feel for the space like never before. Explore the mosaics and other objects through guided touch and verbal description. Limited times are available due to the immersive nature of this experience. This tour was developed in conjunction with Philly Touch Tours.
To make a reservation for a Touch Tour, please complete our Tour Request Form, call 215-733-0390 ext. 116, or email education@phillymagicgardens.org. Recommended for ages 14 and older. Limited to 20 participants (each participant with vision loss may bring one sighted guide for no charge). Tour length is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Financial Accessibility
ACCESS cardholders and their guests may purchase tickets for $2 per individual for up to 4 tickets per ACCESS card using the discount code “ACCESS.” This discount may not be valid for special events, sold out events, or combined with other discount offers. ACCESS admission tickets must be presented with a valid state-issued ACCESS/EBT card upon arrival. For more information on this program, visit art-reach.org/access
Our Visionary Visits program provides discounted guided tours and virtual experiences for groups with a financial need. Find out more and apply here.