On February 21, 2026, the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City hosted “Access Mornings,” a calmer, sensory-friendly time for families to visit. The event was aimed especially at children on the autism spectrum, and it was designed to make the museum feel more comfortable for different kinds of brains.
“Sensory-friendly” means paying attention to how a place feels through sound, light, and busy crowds. Some visitors enjoy lots of noise and activity, while others notice every little sound or bright light, which can make it harder to focus on fun learning.
During Access Mornings, families could arrive at 10:00 a.m., before regular public hours. Having extra space and a slower pace can help people explore exhibits without feeling rushed, especially in museums with screens, buttons, and interactive displays.
The Museum of the Moving Image celebrates movies, cartoons, TV, and the art of making pictures look like they move. This event is a good example of how thoughtful planning can include more people—so more families can enjoy creativity and learning together in the same place.
“Sensory-friendly” means paying attention to how a place feels through sound, light, and busy crowds. Some visitors enjoy lots of noise and activity, while others notice every little sound or bright light, which can make it harder to focus on fun learning.
During Access Mornings, families could arrive at 10:00 a.m., before regular public hours. Having extra space and a slower pace can help people explore exhibits without feeling rushed, especially in museums with screens, buttons, and interactive displays.
The Museum of the Moving Image celebrates movies, cartoons, TV, and the art of making pictures look like they move. This event is a good example of how thoughtful planning can include more people—so more families can enjoy creativity and learning together in the same place.