Many museums offer audio tours using audio cassettes which not only describe items in the exhibit but may include background information, history and other insights. Visitors to the exhibit are issued a headset and cassette player to hear the information while moving about the gallery. Check to see if reservations for this type of tour are necessary.

Call ahead and check with the museum to see if they offer any special services for persons with vision loss. Some offer "touch galleries" or "touch tours."? In fact, many museums for children are designed with interactive touch exhibits that adults and children can enjoy together.

Consider using your grandchildren as a window to the art. Ask them to share what they see with you and together you can explore what the art means for each of you. You might share the online web course?by going to?the website?Art History Through Touch and Sound?[link opens in new window] for a multi-sensory history of art from prehistoric through modern times.

Talk to your eye doctor to see if you could benefit from any low vision devices. Viewing exhibits at museums is a special interest not necessarily discussed during general eye examinations. Share your specific needs with your doctor. (See What is a Lov Vision Examination?)