The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology recognizes the diversity of our visitors, and we offer a variety of programs and services to ensure the accessibility of the Museum and its collection.
For general access information and program information, call 734.764.9295 or email Dawn Johnson.
More information about the University of Michigan and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit the following sites:
Wheelchair Accessibility
- All public areas of the Museum are wheelchair accessible. The Maynard Street entrance has power-assist doors and there is elevator access to the second floor and gift shop.
- All events in the Museum are wheelchair accessible; however, doors in the Newberry Wing are not on power assist.
- The Museum does not provide mobility devices but welcomes your personal walkers, wheelchairs, and motorized wheelchairs.
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located on the first and second floor of the Upjohn Wing. Elevators are located in the Museum.
- There are permanent benches in several locations in the galleries.
Accessible Parking Locations
- On East William Street, near the corner of Maynard Street (one space). To get to the Kelsey from here, follow Maynard Street south, past the Helen Newberry Residence, on the east side of the street. The access ramp to the Museum’s Maynard entrance is at the south side of the Upjohn Wing.
- On South State Street, across from the Kelsey Museum (one space). There is a crosswalk to the south, near the Michigan Union; you can also go north to cross at the traffic light at William Street. Use the paved walkway just south of the Museum to access the Maynard Street entrance.
- Maynard Parking Structure, on Maynard Street, north of the Kelsey Museum (14 spaces). To get to the Kelsey from here, travel south on Maynard Street (to your right if coming from the Maynard side of the structure; left if exiting on Thompson Street). Follow Maynard Street to the Kelsey Museum (on left, past Helen Newberry Residence). The ramp to the Maynard entrance is at the south side of the Upjohn Wing.
For more information, please refer to the accessible parking map provided by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority.
Museums for All
The Kelsey is proud to join hundreds of museums around the country in partnership with Museums for All, an access program that focuses on removing the barriers to visiting museums and cultural centers and encouraging individuals of all backgrounds to build lifelong museum habits.
What is Museums for All?
Museums for All is an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency based in Washington, D.C. The initiative is administered by the Association of Children’s Museums through a cooperative agreement with IMLS. It is the only nationally coordinated financial accessibility program in the museum field, providing an easy-to-implement structure and the ability for participating museums to customize their implementation.
Who can participate in the Kelsey's Museums for All programming?
The Kelsey offers special Museums for All programming for families receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). This offer is available to all families receiving this benefit in any U.S. State.
How does it work?
Simply let the security officer at the front desk know that you would like to participate in the Museums for All programming. Your group will receive materials for self-guided gallery tours and museum scavenger hunts as well as a take-away bag with goodies for you to enjoy at home.
Be sure to visit these nearby Museums for All partners:
Resources for Visitors Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
The Kelsey Museum welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy our exhibitions and programs. Two free resources are now available to families visiting the museum—Sensory Friendly Kits and the the Rome Activity Bag.
- Sensory Friendly Kits can be borrowed for use by individuals with autism. Sometimes visiting a new place is difficult. Our goal is to make a visit as easy and welcoming as possible. Each Sensory Friendly Kit contains headphones, sunglasses, various fidget toys, and emotion communication cards. The kits also include a Social Story that can help families prepare for a visit to the museum — from the parking lot through the exhibits. Families can also download a PDF of the Social Story in advance of thier visit.
- The Rome Activity Bag is full of different activities for kids of all ages and abilities. Try out Blindfold Artifact ID in front of the Health and Beauty case upstairs, play a game of merels, plan a multi-course Roman dinner party in the Villa of the Mysteries, design a magnetic mosaic, or read the book G is for Gladiator together.
