Sensory-friendly museum visit

Visit the low-stimulation evening opening

Is it not possible for you to visit during the day? For example, due to sensory sensitivities or a condition such as acquired brain injury, autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, burnout, anxiety disorder, PTSD, migraine, or another condition that makes busy environments challenging? Then come to a sensory-friendly low-stimulation evening opening or a low-stimulation family evening opening.

Find quiet spots

The Gallery of Honour, 17th century, and 19th century are the busiest areas in the museum. Less crowded are the 18th century, the Special Collections, the Asian Pavilion, and the 20th century.

Visit during quieter times

You can avoid the crowds by arriving before 10h or after 15.30h outside of holidays. January, in particular, is a quiet month.

Low-stimulus area

Is it all a bit too overwhelming for you or for someone accompanying you? Then there are a few places where you can sit in a quieter setting. For example, the Picnic area, located between the Atrium and the KPN Wing. On weekends and during holidays, workshops are held here, so it can get busier.

Either at the beginning or the end of the 18th century on the first floor, where the elevator and staircase land. We also have a small space with a comfortable chair for when you feel overwhelmed. Ask about it at the information desk.

Sunflower lanyard

The Sunflower Lanyard is a simple tool that allows you to voluntarily let others know that you have a disability that may not be immediately apparent—and that you might need a helping hand, understanding, or more time. Our staff are familiar with the Sunflower Keycord. If you don’t have a keycord but would like one, you can ask for a green-and-yellow lanyard at the information desk. Security will then take extra care to accommodate you.

Preparation Guide

If you’d like to be well-prepared, download our special preparation guide. From what the building looks like to what the staff is wearing and where the information desk is: everything is explained with clear photos.

Skip the line

Do you have an invisible disability that prevents you from standing in line at the entrance for a long time? Fill out this form to enter immediately.

Take a seat every now and then

There are benches located throughout the museum. You can find them on the map. Would you like to be able to sit down anywhere? Then ask for a folding stool at the information desk. The chair is lightweight (1.7 kg) and easy to carry over your shoulder.

Relax in the Café

Need a break? You can take one in the Café, located in the Atrium. You can reach it to the right of the Shop via the elevator or stairs. The Café is usually least crowded at 9h when the museum opens. The small café in the KPN Wing (open from 11-15h p.m.) is also often less crowded. The same applies to the coffee corner on the 1st floor (19th Century entrance is open from 10-16.30h). Unfortunately, the coffee corner is only accessible via a staircase.