Philadelphia Museum Launches Guided Touch Tours for Blind and Low Vision Visitors
"Signers' Hall" at the National Constitution Center now offers a tactile exploration of history.
"The official tours aim to make the experience more structured and inclusive."
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia has introduced guided tactile tours for blind and low vision visitors in its "Signers' Hall" gallery. The space features 42 life-size bronze statues of delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention.
Launched in April 2025, the tours allow visitors to touch the statues while staff provide detailed descriptions and historical context.
Collaboration with Accessibility Experts
The museum partnered with Philly Touch Tours, an organization that advises institutions on accessibility. According to Kristina Marinello, senior director of museum experience, the gallery had long allowed casual touching, which led to shiny spots on statues like Benjamin Franklin's hands.
The new official tours transform casual contact into a structured, inclusive experience.
A Growing But Rare Practice
Heather Pressman, who teaches courses on museums and accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, noted that while many museums offer large-print labels or sensory-friendly hours, touch tours remain less common.
"Meeting ADA accessibility requirements is 'the bare minimum.'"
Pressman added that affordable options such as replicas or improved labeling can significantly enhance access for all visitors.
Visitor Perspectives
Tim Kelly Jr., who is blind, commented that the tour allowed him to feel details like wrinkles on Franklin's face.
Akosua "Kosi" Asabere, a software engineer focused on digital accessibility, said the experience evoked both reverence and conflict. She noted that the Constitution originally excluded women, Black people, and disabled people—but expressed encouragement that the museum is addressing historical marginalization.
The tactile tours represent a meaningful step toward making history accessible to everyone.