Accessibility

Navigating Exhibitions with Neurodiversity

3 March 2025
Article by Tiphanie Henry | 12 MIN READ

How to avoid burnout and get the most from every moment.

Exhibitions can be inspiring and rewarding, but for those of us who are neurodivergent or disabled, they can also present unique challenges.

The excitement of discovering incredible art is often accompanied by the challenges of navigating overwhelming crowds, intense lighting, and sheer sensory overload.

But with a little preparation, exhibitions can become both an enjoyable, and manageable experience.

In the run up to Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025, we asked our gallery curator Katherine how she manages her exhibition visits.

Here’s what she shared…

Henry Moore, Mother and Child: Block Seat, 1983-84 • Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Hertfordshire • Shot from an accessibility scooter, 2023 • Photo © Katherine Thomas-Ferdinand

"The visit starts long before I step through the door."

— Katherine Thomas-Ferdinand

Planning tips.

Preparation is everything when it comes to ensuring a smooth exhibition day :

1. Find the quiet times

“I always book exhibitions on quieter days. I find that weekdays and Sunday mornings tend to be the calmest, but it’s also helpful to check before. ”

2. Email ahead:

“Another must-do for me is to contact the venue in advance.” Katherine recommends. “I find that most have accessibility processes in place, but staff training can vary a lot, so it’s good to know what to expect before you arrive. It’s important to be clear about your needs. Ask about accessibility passes, quiet rooms, disabled parking, and any other adaptations.”

3. See the journey as part of your day

For many, the journey to and from an exhibition is often seen as a means to an end, but it doesn’t have to be. “I like to think of the journey as part of the experience,” Katherine shares. “If I plan it well, take my time, and allow space to decompress, it can actually become an enjoyable part of the day.”

When travelling solo, the first step is deciding between public transport and driving. “I weigh the sustainability of public transport against the energy it will take to get there,” she explains. “If the route has multiple changes or a lot of walking, unfortunately, it’s a no-go.” For those who drive, many venues offer disabled parking and back entrances, which make the commute more straightforward and less draining. “It’s all about making a choice that feels manageable.”

For longer journeys, Katherine offers practical advice. “Using a sunflower lanyard and contacting rail services in advance for disability support can make public transport more accessible. The staff are usually very accommodating, which takes a lot of the stress out of travelling further afield. I also make sure I give myself enough time for rest stops, so I don’t feel stressed throughout the journey.”

Katherine’s top tip? “Arrive early, give yourself time to decompress, and don’t rush – it’ll make all the difference.”

4. Pack a survival kit

“To stay comfortable and avoid overwhelm, I always bring a few essentials,” She says.

Katherine’s must-have items:

Noise-cancelling headphones and a good playlist :
“Music helps me block out distractions and sets the tone for the day.” If meeting friends, she carries noise-reducing earbuds to balance sensory inputs while still being able to talk.

Tinted or blue-filter glasses :
These are invaluable for reducing overstimulation from bright lights.

Essential oils or perfumed clothing :
“A familiar scent can be incredibly grounding and comforting,” she says.

Snacks and Drinks :
Bringing your own food and drink can help avoid the stress of busy cafés. “A hot or cold drink is not just about energy; it also helps regulate body temperature and keeps me centred throughout the day.”

5. Book in buffer days

Katherine sets aside a quiet day both before and after her exhibition visits. “That way, I’m energised going in and have time to recover afterward. Having no pressure the following day also means I can be fully present,” Katherine shares, “I have the mental space to really enjoy the experience without worrying about what comes next.”

'The Spirit in Any Condition Does Not Burn', 2011 • Marina Abramović • Royal Academy • An afternoon with a friend, made possible by disabled parking, 2023 • Photo © Katherine Thomas-Ferdinand

Moments Contained, 2022 • Thomas J Price • V&A Museum, 2023 • A 30 minute visit and a disabled parking space • Photo © Katherine Thomas-Ferdinand

Enjoying your own creativity

Katherine finds that having a creative focus can completely transform her exhibition experience.

“I never go to an exhibition without my camera, Evie,” she shares. “She helps me focus on what’s in front of me and slows everything down, making it easier to process the experience.” For others, a notepad or sketchbook can serve the same purpose, providing a personal and creative outlet.

Even after the exhibition, these tools can offer another layer of grounding and reflection. “Whenever I photograph an artwork, I also capture the labels and exhibition write-ups so I can read them back in a calmer state. There have been so many times where I couldn’t fully absorb all the information until I got home and looked through my photos.” she explains.

Katherine also finds that jotting down immediate thoughts or responses enhances her connection to the art. “Any notes or sketches I make bring me back to that moment, allowing me to relive it without the sensory overwhelm. It deepens the experience in a way that feels more meaningful and manageable.”

Balancing social and personal time

Visiting an exhibition with friends can be a double-edged sword. While sharing the experience can be wonderful, and sometimes having a companion is a necessity, it can also make it harder to fully engage with the art. “For me, the challenge is balancing the social side with my need to fully immerse myself in the exhibition,” our curator shares.

Her solution? “My trick is to go alone for the first hour to explore and acclimatise, then meet my friends afterward. If I’ve travelled with someone, we often agree to spend some time wandering independently before reconnecting. That way, I get my quiet time to take in the art on my own terms, and we can still enjoy each other’s company later.”

Katherine emphasises the importance of communicating your needs to those you’re visiting with. Let them know your needs, like meeting in a quiet spot before entering, or saving most of the catching up for after the exhibition. This can help prevent sensory overwhelm and ensure everyone enjoys the visit.

Despite the potential challenges, Katherine finds that going with others can enhance the experience in unique ways. “Friends often point out pieces or perspectives I might not have noticed on my own. Seeing the space through someone else’s eyes can bring a whole new layer of appreciation – but it’s also a lot, so I give myself permission to step back if I need to.”

Developing an exhibition routine

If you go to exhibitions regularly, it may be useful to develop your own exhibition routine – something that Katherine lives by.

“I’ve created a baseline routine for my exhibition days. It automates the day, reduces decision fatigue, and helps me feel in control.” Her approach is simple yet intentional, breaking the day into manageable chunks:

• First Look : “I do a quick walk around the exhibition to get an idea of the layout and to identify which parts interest me most. This helps me see which parts of the exhibition I may struggle with, and where or whether I’ll get the opportunity to sit and rest.”

• Focused Exploration : “I start with the areas that stand out the most to me, taking photos and giving myself time to absorb them fully.”

• Take a Break and Assess : “I pause for a rest partway through. If I feel up to it, I’ll then browse the rest of the exhibition more naturally. If not, I make my way home and accept that’s all I can manage.”

Her Philosophy: “I take it step by step and try not to worry about catching everything. I love art, but health always comes first – anything is better than nothing.”

Shocking ! Les mondes surréalistes d’Elsa Schiaparelli, 2022 • Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris • Trip made possible by Kings Cross, Eurostar and Metro Disability Assistants • Photo © Katherine Thomas-Ferdinand

Final words – just do you!

“Neurodiversity and disability affect us all differently. This is what works for me, but it may not work for you.” Katherine says. “It takes a lot of trial and error to find your rhythm, and even then, things rarely go to plan. But for me, the effort is all worth it. I’ve experienced some incredible art, and gain so much from each experience, no matter how long or short it may be!”

Learn more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 17–23) and explore our curator’s personal experiences with disability and neurodiversity in “My Involuntary Membership to the Memory Loss Club.”