Krannert Art Museum endeavors to be accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. We value open access to galleries and supports, and while some need to be requested, visitors do not need to disclose a disability in order to access them.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to building construction, galleries in the Kinkead Pavilion portion of the museum will be de-installed starting in November 2023. That portion of the museum and its accessible entrance will close December 22, including galleries, our Collection Study Area and the Giertz Education Center. It will remain closed throughout the yearlong project.
The remainder of the museum, accessed via Peabody Drive and the Link Gallery, including Art Since 1948, Encounters the Arts of Africa, and special exhibition spaces in the East Gallery, West Gallery, and Light Court, will remain open to the public.
During this construction, accessible entry to Art & Design and KAM will be available via the ramp at the North entrance to the Link Gallery, nearest to the Siebel Center of Design.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available in the lot at the corner of Sixth Street and Peabody Drive (Lot E19) and the small lot to the north of Art & Design (Lot E18).
To use designated spaces, automobiles must have valid state disability placard or plate.
All parking in Lot E19 is metered Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm; there is one space designated for disabled permit parking in that lot. There is also an accessible metered space in E18, near the accessibility ramp. Campus meters may be paid by phone or via the MobileMeter app. Please see on-meter signage for payment instructions. If you have trouble or need help, a KAM attendant can assist you. Please ask when you enter the building.
To access the Gelvin Gardens, use the ramp at the west side of Lot E19.
To enter the museum from Lot E19, use the ramp on the east side of the lot that leads to the Sixth Street sidewalk. Turn left at the sidewalk that approaches the Kinkead Pavilion entrance. Just past the entrance and construction staging area is a sidewalk that runs East-West. Turn left (West) toward Siebel Center for Design. You will encounter a small garden and a wooden ramp that leads to automated doors to the Link Gallery.
To enter the museum from Lot E18, please go toward the east end of the parking lot. You will encounter a small garden and a wooden ramp that leads to automated doors to the Link Gallery.
Once in the building, Krannert Art Museum is clearly marked through the glass doors on the East side of the Link. Press the button on the right side of the doorway to operate the automatic doors to the museum.
More information on campus parking is available at the University of Illinois Visitor Parking page.
Disability Resources & Educational Services (DRES) has also created an accessibility map of Krannert Art Museum. This resource shows the locations of automated doors, parking, and public transportation in our building and the surrounding area.
Museum Entrances and Mobility Assistance
The Kinkead Pavilion entrance on Sixth Street is accessible with automated doors and entry that is level with the sidewalk. It will be closed beginning December 22 during construction.
To enter the museum from Lot E19, use the ramp on the east side of the lot that leads to the Sixth Street sidewalk. Turn left at the sidewalk that approaches the Kinkead Pavilion entrance. Just past the entrance and construction staging area is a sidewalk that runs East-West. Turn left (West) toward Siebel Center for Design. You will encounter a small garden and a wooden ramp that leads to automated doors to the Link Gallery.
To enter the museum from Lot E18, please go toward the east end of the parking lot. You will encounter a small garden and a wooden ramp that leads to automated doors to the Link Gallery.
Once in the building, Krannert Art Museum is clearly marked through the glass doors on the East side of the Link. Press the button on the right side of the doorway to operate the automatic doors to the museum.
A wheelchair is available for visitors to borrow; please see an attendant to request it. They wear colored, long-sleeved shirts that say Krannert Art Museum in white type.
Two seated walkers are are available at each entrance; please see an attendant to request their use. Portable seating is also available at both entrances, enabling visitors to carry a lightweight seat into any gallery. Most galleries are also equipped with seating, where possible.
Blind/Low Vision Supports
Aira On-Demand Description Service
Aira assistive technology for the Blind & Low Vision is available on campus at the University of Illinois. It is an on-demand description service through a smart phone app.
Illinois is an Aira access location for Blind and Low-Vision students and campus visitors who have installed the app on their smartphone. Anyone can use the service at no cost while physically on campus.
- Go to the Aira website for instructions on how to download and install the app.
- Call the customer support line at 800-835-1934 and mention "Campus Network".
When you activate the app, it will connect you with a sighted agent to help with visual tasks during your museum visit. The agent can use your smartphone camera to describe art, read artwork labels, and guide you through the museum.
Aira is always free from locations on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
If you want to talk through any issues or needs prior to or after your visit, email us at kam-accessibility@illinois.edu.
Elevators and Restrooms
Elevators are located both in the Kinkead Pavilion and in the lobby near the Peabody Street entrance. PLEASE NOTE: During construction, the Kinkead Pavilion elevator will be closed.
On the main level, an accessible, all-gender restroom is located at the east end of the Bow Gallery, near the Sixth Street entrance. PLEASE NOTE: All Kinkead Pavilion restrooms will be closed during construction.
On the lower level, accessible restrooms are available in the lobby downstairs from the Peabody entrance on the south side of the building, just outside the KAM Auditorium.
If you need assistance in finding a restroom, please ask a KAM Gallery Attendant. They will be happy to help.
Classrooms and Galleries
The KAM Auditorium is equipped with automated doors and designated seating for wheelchairs.
All public presentations in the Krannert Art Museum auditorium use a microphone that feeds into the room's amplification system. Assistive listening devices that tap into this system are available for visitor use. As a health precaution, assistive listening devices and other loanable technology are sanitized before and after each use.
The Hood Classroom is accessible to visitors and students of all mobility levels.
Gallery displays and interactive components (where available) are designed with accessibility in mind. Touch-screen mounts are adjustable and may be tilted to the angle of best readability by visitors. All video in the museum is captioned.
Labels and wall texts are high-contrast and have large type.
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Supports
Krannert Art Museum is committed to providing closed captioning for all video displays that have an audio component.
Assistive listening devices are available for all public programs and docent-led tours. As a health precaution, assistive listening devices and other loanable technology are sanitized before and after each use. To request an assistive listening device, please ask a gallery attendant at the front desk.
If you want to talk through any issues or needs prior to or after your visit, email us at kam-accessibility@illinois.edu.
Neurodiversity and Mental Health Supports
KAM endeavors to maintain galleries that are welcoming to all.
Often the galleries at KAM are quiet and calm. But at times, due to a group visit or event, a gallery or classroom can get crowded or noisy. Some art installations with video and sound components can feel immersive, and sometimes a visitor may find this overwhelming.
If you have a concern about crowding, noise, or sensitivity to light or sound, the front desk can provide information on where you're likely to encounter these. A gallery attendant can also help if you need to find a quieter or calmer space to center yourself. Please ask at any time.
Noise reducing headphones are available for sensory-sensitive visitors; please ask an attendant if you would like to use them. They are located at the front desk.
If you require immediate assistance or are having a health-related emergency, please signal to a museum staff member. They wear colored shirts that say Krannert Art Museum in white type.
If you have feedback or comments, please fill out a comment card at the front desk.
If you want to talk through any issues or needs prior to or after your visit, email us at kam-accessibility@illinois.edu.
Service Animals
Trained service animals are welcome in all spaces throughout the museum.
The campus division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) website has the most current resources regarding accessibility services available to students and visitors to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Please visit their page on Service Animals on Campus for more information.
Other supervised and leashed domesticated animals are allowed only outside of the building.
If you want to talk through any issues or needs prior to or after your visit, email us at kam-accessibility@illinois.edu.
Questions?
Please email us at kam-accessibility@illinois.edu if you have any questions, to request an accommodation for an upcoming visit or event, or if you have feedback after your visit.
