Art can be an integral means of self-expression and a way to build community; however, it may seem challenging to experience the arts with low vision. This blog is intended to provide a list of some of the experiences tailored to individuals with low vision in Houston, including a summary of accessibility in local museums and hands-on art classes.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is one of the largest art museums in the country and home to thousands of works from around the world. The museum hosts a program called “Art Beyond Sight” which is catered to providing a gallery tour experience for people with low vision and blindness. Participation in this program will include verbal explanations of pieces and hands-on activities led by trained staff.
The “Art Beyond Sight” program occurs on the second Saturday of the month. While admission is free, space is limited, so pre-registration is necessary by emailing the follow address: [email protected]g
MFAH “Art Beyond Sight” program website: https://www.mfah.org/calendar/art-beyond-sight
Additionally, different parts of the museum are connected by three underground tunnels which each feature light installations. These tunnels can be a unique experience for people with low vision; however, the museum has provided instructions for means to avoid these tunnels for those with sensitivities.
MFAH accessibility resources: https://www.mfah.org/visit/accessibility-resources
Furthermore, the museum has resources such as audio guides and videos that can be accessed through mobile devices.
MFAH audio and video guides: https://mobilemfah.mfah.yourcultureconnect.com/e/home/hub-page
Service animals are permitted in the museum. The museum has also outlined the least crowded times to visit in the first website listed above.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers Touch Tours for people with low vision or blindness that allow for a sensory experience of the works in the museum. The theme of each tour will be centered around exploring a specific aspect of the museum’s collections. To participate in the Touch Tours, a pre-registration is necessary by reaching out to the following email address: [email protected]
Houston Museum of Natural Science Accessibility information: https://www.hmns.org/visit/accessibility
Service animals are permitted in the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The museum has also outlined the least crowded times to visit in the website listed above.
Another resource for experiencing the arts is through The Lighthouse of Houston. This organization has been around for decades and serves to support people with low vision and blindness. While they offer an array of services and host many different events, they also offer art classes by partnering with the organization Creating With Blind Abandon. These classes are open to people of all ages. More information can be found on the following websites.
Sign up for an art class: https://houstonlighthouse.org/series/all-ages-art-class-2/
Learn about art classes and other The Lighthouse of Houston programs: https://houstonlighthouse.org/community-events-resources/
In addition to the art classes mentioned above, this organization is also working to create a fully tactile art exhibition, “Art in the Dark”, in February of 2025 and another tactile gallery called the “Hands to See Gallery”. Both of these are events to be on the lookout for.
More about the Creating With Blind Abandon programming: https://creatingwithblindabandon.com
Experiencing art can be a very rewarding experience that can help better mental-health and establish a sense of community. Despite the gaps that still exist in bringing art to individuals with low vision, research is being conducted to bridge this gap. While traditional approaches to experiencing art may pose challenges, there are ways to adapt and explore the world of art in impactful ways.