A museum of science, technology and art next to the Kendall/MIT station in Cambridge, with sensory maps of noise, light and crowds, a social narrative to read ahead, a quiet space under the second-floor stairs, and staff in “Here to help” lanyards.
Sensory supports. Sensory maps, social narrative, quiet space.
Hours
Open daily, 10 am to 5 pm; last entry 30 minutes before closing. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas, and closes at 3 pm on New Year's Eve (the museum's 2026 holiday list). For 2027 holidays, check the Hours, Admission, Directions page.
314 Main Street, Building E-28, Cambridge, MA 02142 (entrance on the side of the building, across from the MIT Welcome Center)
“For visitors who would benefit from a sensory-friendly experience, we have designed a sensory map to help guide you.”
“This social narrative provides a visual and descriptive walk-through of the museum, for visitors who would feel more comfortable having knowledge of the museum layout prior to visiting.”
“Exhibit galleries can sometimes get busy. If I need a break, or a quiet space, I can come to this space, underneath the stairs on the second floor.”
The sensory maps show each floor three ways: noise (spaces that can be loud or tend to be quiet), light (lighter spaces with natural light and darker spaces) and crowds.
Staff at the ticket desk and in the galleries wear nametags on black lanyards that say “Here to help.”
The coat rack is behind the pillar and the lockers are to the left under the stairs, between the ticket desk and the elevator. Restrooms are to the right of the elevator, with more on the second and third floors, including a solo gender-neutral restroom; there are changing tables in the men's and women's restrooms on each floor.
The social narrative says to use the large elevator with black doors and big white arrows (buttons 1, 2R and 3R), not the red hallway of office elevators. Elevators are available upon request: ask staff.
The Learning Labs may not be open if no activity is going on.
Quiet Hours is a pilot sensory-friendly program: entry an hour before opening, with a limited number of visitors, reduced audio and a making activity. Check the Programs and Events page for dates.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
More about MIT Museum
Louder, in the museum's words
The lobby and store (may be noisy at times if large groups are arriving or leaving)not stated
The Maker Hub and Learning Labs (second floor) (may be loud when a program is in progress)not stated
Some third-floor exhibitions (not very noisy, but they have some sound elements that can be heard throughout)not stated
Quieter, in the museum's words
The space under the Exchange stairs, in front of the Maker Hub (second floor)quiet zone
Admission: adults $20, seniors 65+ $15, college students with ID $10, youth 6 to 18 $10, 5 and under free, family ticket (2 adults, 2 youth) $55. Through December 31, 2026, when you buy one full-price adult ticket, the Visitor Experience team will give you a free return ticket.
Free admission: MIT community (students, faculty, staff, alums with ID) plus one guest; Cambridge Resident Members; MA EBT cardholders plus 3 family members; Blue Star Museums for active military plus up to five family members; Massachusetts Teachers Association members with ID; museum staff with ID.
Getting there: Red Line to Kendall/MIT, right next to the museum; the 64, 68 and 85 buses stop nearby. Ride share apps may show the old address, 265 Massachusetts Avenue; check that it says 314 Main Street.
Parking: the Hayward Garage, about a block away, has entrances at 33 Amherst Street and Hayward Street and at 55 Wadsworth Street; rates vary by time of day. For garage questions or to prepay, call the garage at 617-500-6553. The best drop-off for visitors with mobility needs is where Deacon Street, Carleton Street and the Open Space meet.
A limited number of wheelchairs, first-come, first-served. Wayfinding maps are available at the Admissions desk on request.
Hearing (not sensory) services: a limited number of assistive listening devices for first-floor programs and The Exchange, at the front desk. Captioning or ASL interpreters with at least two weeks' notice, based on availability, by email to mitmuseum-access@mit.edu.
Only service animals are allowed; emotional support animals are not.
