Accessibility
The USS Midway Museum is a retired Navy aircraft carrier commissioned in 1945. Since our start as a museum in 2004, we have made many modifications to improve accessibility for visitors with mobility, visual, and audio difficulties or other challenges. We are dedicated to providing Midway Magic to every guest.
With the addition of several elevators and access routes, approximately 60 percent of the museum’s exhibits are wheelchair accessible.
The Midway also offers free admission for a professional caregiver accompanying a guest with disability – this offer is available at our ticket booth.
Wheelchair Access
Elevators are available, providing to-and-from transportation between Navy Pier and the ship entrance located up on the Hangar Deck, between the Hangar Deck and the second deck below, and between the Flight Deck and the Hangar Deck.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on the Hangar and Flight Decks. Complimentary wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately 60% of Midway’s exhibits are wheelchair accessible.
ASL & Audio Descriptive Tours
The Midway offers an American Sign Language (ASL) tour and a written audio tour script for guests with hearing impairments. The ASL Tour is closed-captioned and comes in the form of a 3.5” touchscreen device where an ASL interpreter can be seen signing tour information.
We also offer an Audio Descriptive tour that covers highlights of the ship for guests who are blind or have low vision. Guests with sighted companions can request the tour devices upon arrival. Guests visiting without a sighted companion can request a volunteer Docent guide to assist with the Audio Descriptive tour. Please email or call our Visitor Information Center at (619) 398-8264, 48 hours in advance to request this service.
Both tours are included in the admission price.
Service Animals
The Midway welcomes guests who require a trained service animal.
For the safety and security of all guests, service animals must remain on a leash or harness, be under the control of their handler at all times, and be housebroken. Leashes cannot exceed 6 feet in length. Pets, comfort/companion animals, and service animals “in training” are not permitted on board.
Due to ladders, enclosed spaces, and Midway’s challenging layout, the use of service animals may be restricted or limited in certain areas. Please email or call our Visitor Information Center at (619) 398-8264 with any questions you may have regarding service animals on board.
Accessibility Video Tour
Located on the Flight Deck, Hangar Deck and Second Deck, strategically placed video kiosks provide brief overviews of spaces and exhibits that are not easily accessible.
Look for the symbol on your museum map to locate the nearest video kiosk.
Accessibility Video Tours Kiosks sponsored by GEICO Military.
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