As an architectural photographer, tour guide, and storyteller, I spend most of my days crisscrossing Chicago with my camera in hand and a curious eye for history.
Through my business, Doorways of Chicago, I’ve led thousands of visitors on tours that highlight the city’s architectural treasures, ghost signs, neon signs, street art, murals, sculptures, and cultural landmarks. My studio is in the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue, a historic hub for artists that also happens to be one of Chicago’s most beloved cultural spaces.
In this article
Chicago is a city that thrives on inclusivity. From our world-class museums to our ballparks, many top attractions are making sure deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors can fully enjoy their experiences. Whether through ASL interpretation, smart captioning, assistive listening devices, or innovative new technology, accessibility is becoming more deeply embedded in the visitor experience.
Here’s a guide to some of the top accessible attractions in Chicago that are leading the way.
Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building
Located inside the stunning Fine Arts Building, the Studebaker Theater blends historic grandeur with modern accessibility. Guests with hearing aids can use a loop T-coil system for clear sound. As someone with profound hearing loss, I just experienced the T-Coil for the first time here and I could hear every word!
Lincoln Park Zoo
One of the country’s only free zoos is also highly inclusive. Lincoln Park Zoo provides ASL interpreters and open captioning upon request for events, classes, and programs (with two weeks’ notice). Visitors can also request scripts or interpretation at animal demonstrations. To plan ahead, email access@lpzoo.org at least 14 days before your visit.
Learn more about accessibility at Lincoln Park Zoo.
The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the city’s oldest and most famous museums, the Art Institute of Chicago makes sure its collection is accessible to everyone. Deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors can join interactive tours led in American Sign Language.
ASL interpreters and scripts are also available upon request for films, tours, and other programs. Assisted-listening devices are available upon request.
Learn more about accessibility at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Chicago Children’s Museum
Perfect for families, the Chicago Children’s Museum ensures every child can enjoy its exhibits. ASL interpreters can be arranged at no additional charge with two weeks’ notice.
Hearing loops are available whenever the sound system is in use in the Great Hall. Open captioning is also available throughout the museum.
Learn more about accessibility at the Chicago Children’s Museum.
Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum offers various types of accessibility support. Visitors will find English and Spanish captions in most exhibition films, neck loops and other assistive listening technologies, and the option to request ASL interpreters and live captioning for public programs (with two weeks’ notice). Noise-reducing headphones are also available for those who need sensory support.
Learn more about accessibility at the Chicago History Museum.
Lyric Opera of Chicago
The renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago is pushing accessibility forward with its SoundShirt, which lets deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees literally feel the music. The Lyric also provides ASL interpretation, audio-described performances, and program books in Braille or large print.
Learn more about SoundShirt technology at the Lyric Opera.
Broadway In Chicago
With shows at a variety of historic downtown theatres, Broadway In Chicago brings blockbuster hits to the city with accessibility built in.
All theatres provide assistive listening devices free of charge, and many are T-coil compatible. Guests can also attend select ASL-interpreted or open-captioned performances, with schedules posted online in advance.
Learn more about accessibility at Broadway in Chicago theatres.
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field isn’t just about baseball…it’s about making sure everyone shares the magic. On game days, assistive listening devices are available free of charge. For game-day captioning, fans can use their smartphones and enter the ID WrigleyField to follow along live with all the action.
Learn more about accessibility at Wrigley Field.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruises
Chicago’s skyline is best appreciated from the water, with narrated Chicago Architecture Center River Cruises that accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors. Guests can request a written script of the narration on tours like the 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour.
Learn more about accessibility on Chicago Architecture Center River Cruises.
Chicago Cultural Center
Famous for its Tiffany dome and free programs, the Chicago Cultural Center also invests in accessibility. Visitors can request FM assistive devices or use T-coil loops for lectures, tours, and performances. ASL or open-captioning services can also be requested with 72-hour notice by emailing dcase@cityofchicago.org.
Learn more about accessibility at the Chicago Cultural Center.
From historic theatres to family-friendly attractions, Chicago is expanding accessibility so all visitors — deaf, hard-of-hearing, or hearing — can connect with the city’s art, culture, and community. As someone who documents Chicago’s architecture and history every day, I know firsthand that these spaces aren’t just beautiful…they’re becoming more inclusive.
When you’re ready to explore, know that Chicago is prepared to welcome you with open doors and open access.
