We believe that creating inclusive, engaging programs designed for people of all abilities enriches the experience for all visitors to the Wharton Esherick Museum.

Wharton Esherick’s studio residence is his most iconic work and we are committed to enabling all visitors to experience this special space.

Accommodations can be arranged in advance for visitors of all needs and abilities including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, those who are blind or have low vision, or other intellectual, developmental, or sensory specific needs. To learn more and schedule your visit please contact [email protected] or call 610-644-5822.

Care partners who accompany visitors are admitted free of charge.

Service animals are welcome at the Museum. The ADA defines service animals as dogs that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Emotional support animals, pets, or any other animals are not permitted.

An ADA accessible bathroom is available in the Visitor Center. Handicap parking is available in the Museum driveway.

Guests with limited mobility

Due to the historic, hand-built nature of the building and multiple staircases that connect upper and lower levels, significant portions of the Studio are not accessible for individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers, or have other mobility needs. Only the dining room and kitchen are accessible for visitors using wheelchairs or walkers. In lieu of navigating through the main gallery and bedroom physically, we can provide printed or digital material as a way of exploring these spaces. We also ask that guests use canes and walkers with rubber feet to help protect our floors.

» A detailed outline of the physical elements of the site terrain, pathways, and buildings can be found here.

» A virtual tour of the Studio can be found on our Explore page.

Please email [email protected] or call 610-644-5822 if you have questions or to request accommodations for your visit. 

Website Accessibility

Visitors to our website can make adjustments to meet a range of visual, cognitive, and sensory-specific needs. Simply select the circular icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen to select adjustments that are right for you.

Philly Touch Tours

With support from the National Endowment for the Arts and other generous funders, the Wharton Esherick Museum engaged Philly Touch Tours to design, develop and host accessible touch experiences for people with vision loss. Philly Touch Tours LLC, founded in 2015, provides accessibility consulting and touch tour program design for museums and cultural institutions and Disability Awareness and Sensitivity Training for museum and cultural institution staff. For more information about Touch Tours please contact [email protected].

Expanded Access

ACCESS Cardholders receive admission to the Studio for $2 per person (for up to 4 people). To book your visit, ACCESS Cardholders must call (610) 644-5822 or email [email protected] to make advance reservations. Please bring your valid ACCESS card and photo ID with you. Cardholders must present these onsite to receive the discount.

Not valid for event or program admission, or with any other offers or group rates. ACCESS Admission is a city-wide initiative led by Art-Reach.