Audio Tours

Imagine not being able to see clearly in a museum. It’s a regular experience for people who are blind and visually impaired. Audio Tour programs at the New York Hall of Science allow all visitors to enjoy a full museum experience.

Coupled with existing hands-on and interactive exhibits that already contrast sharply with "do-not touch" museums, the Audio Tour was intended to offer an extra dimension that isn’t always available. In addition to assisting individuals with vision impairments, the Audio Tour is often helpful to visitors who desire more information.

"We are trying to make our museum more accessible, and would like the idea to catch on in science museums everywhere so everyone can enjoy these positive experiences," said Marilyn Hoyt, Hall CEO. Hoyt said that feedback from blind and low vision individuals has been instrumental in the program’s success.

The equipment itself is similar in appearance to an elongated cellular phone. Visitors punch in the numbers (posted in Braille and in large, raised print on the exhibits) corresponding to each exhibit and hear recorded information.

Audio Tour instructions include special activities and tips not included in the exhibit. There are also a few 3-D models to add more tactile experiences to the tour.

Exhibitions available on the tour are Seeing The Light, Hidden Kingdoms, SoundSensations and Marvelous Molecules.

The prototype for the audio tour was developed with funding from the National Science Foundation and NEC Foundation of America, with high-tech equipment generously supplied by Acoustiguide.

Ask for a hand-held Audio Tour device at the Admissions Desk in our lobby. Audio Tours are available to the general public for only $2 per person, $1 for Hall members. Audio Tours are FREE to blind and low-vision individuals. The tours are random access, so visitors can spend as little or as much time as they wish on each tour.