Sensory-friendly

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Take part
Group visits
Resources

Welcome! On this page you will find information about sensory-friendly events and resources created for and with autistic visitors, visitors with learning disabilities and those with additional sensory needs in mind.

Take part

Sensory Storytelling (profound disability-friendly)

Sensory Storytelling (profound disability-friendly)

Join us for a fully inclusive multisensory storytelling event for people of all ages with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families, friends and supporters. 

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Relaxed mornings for adults (autism and learning disability friendly)

Relaxed mornings for adults (autism and learning disability friendly)

Join us at the Portrait for regular, relaxed, sensory-friendly mornings for adults with additional support needs, including autistic adults and those with learning disabilities. At these sessions you can meet other people, see artworks in our gallery spaces and take part in creative activities. There will be a quiet, comfortable space available at all times for you to use.

Browse events
Sensory Friendly Sundays for families (autism and learning disability friendly)

Sensory Friendly Sundays for families (autism and learning disability friendly)

We run monthly regular, relaxed, sensory-friendly mornings for children with additional support needs, including autistic children and those with learning disabilities.

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Group visits

School groups

School groups

School groups are welcome to contact us to discuss their visit in advance so we can tailor the visit to suit.

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Community groups

Community groups

Community groups are welcome to book a self-led or guided visit and explore the national collection and exhibitions for free. Explore the galleries under your own steam, or book a tour or workshop, led by specialist artists. 

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Resources

Sensory Maps

 

We provide sensory maps of the Portrait, Modern One and Modern Two to help visitors identify areas with changes in light, smells and noise. They locate permanent seating areas and less crowded, quieter spaces. We're working on creating a sensory map for the National - watch this space! -

Welcome Videos

These short videos introduce our venues to help you plan your visit to the National, Portrait, Modern One and Modern Two. 

National

 

Portrait

 

Modern One

 

Modern Two

Explore the gallery

Art Trolleys

You will find art trolleys available at the National (Main Entrance Gallery), Portrait (Main Entrance) and Modern (Art Space 2). Here you will find drawing materials, books, cushions, ear defenders (adult and child-sized), sketchbooks and sensory materials to help you make the most of your visit – help yourself!

Ear defenders (adult and child-sized) are available at the information desks at the National, Portrait and Modern One and at both entrances of Modern Two, as well as on the art trolleys at all venues. 

Sensory Bags

You can pick up a sensory bag from the art trolley at the National (Main Entrance Gallery) to help you explore the new Scottish galleries. Each item has been carefully chosen to support your visit. We’ve got lots of fun things that you can touch, smell and make sounds with – relating to specific artworks that you can find

Pre-recorded Sensory Sculpture Stories

We have created the series Sensory Sculpture Stories  with PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society) - to encourage you to use your senses to enjoy and experience the sculptures at the Modern.    

Accessibility

Accessibility

Everyone is welcome at the National Galleries of Scotland. 

Find out how we make our buildings, services and programmes as accessible and inclusive as possible. 

Find out more

Learning & Engagement contact details

If you're looking for more information on our learning programmes, please get in touch with our team who will be happy to advise and help plan your group visit.

+44 (0)131 624 6410

[email protected]