Major exhibitions bring in the crowds. But the most precious loans often come with real constraints.

How many people can see them and for how long? How much light can they be exposed to?

Those conditions exist for good reasons. They protect objects that are centuries old, so they can be seen, studied and shared for generations to come.

But constraints can create difficult choices. When capacity is scarce, programmed events like audio-described tours, BSL-led tours or touch sessions can be cut to free up slots.

That's a significant problem for visitors who rely on these events to get their access in the first place.

Separating access from capacity

A live audio-described tour needs a skilled describer, a fixed time and a group moving through the space together. In a capacity-limited exhibition, that's not always possible.

Instead, self-guided audio described tours can be offered as a core part of the visitor experience. These allows a blind or partially sighted person to visit whenever they choose and to access a description of the exhibits on display. It also means they don't miss out on the information any wall labels or signage convey.

The same principle applies to BSL. Signed video content at each key object gives Deaf visitors their own interpretation, without the need for extra sessions.

Live access programmes still have an important place. A skilled describer responding to questions in the room offers something a recording can't. But when capacity is a constraint, self-guided access should be provided as a minimum.

Plan and decide early

UK equality law expects venues to anticipate disabled visitors' needs, not responding when someone asks. In practice, that means access decisions need to be made early in the planning phase.

Accessible interpretation works best when it is part of the exhibition plan from the beginning. A few questions worth asking at the start:

1. At the loan or concept stage: what conditions will limit capacity? Which access formats will that rule out? What will replace them?

2. At the interpretation brief: is audio description being written alongside the main interpretation, by a trained describer? Is it being tested with blind and partially sighted people?

3. For BSL: which objects and stories will have signed content, and who is delivering it?

4. Before the visit: can visitors explore the description, a sensory map or a signed introduction at home before they arrive?

5. On the exhibition page: is it clear what access provision exists, so visitors don't have to call or email to find out?

6. On launch day: is everything working? Do front-of-house staff know what to point people towards?

What we've seen work

At Smartify, we've helped many museums and cultural venues deliver audio description, BSL tours, transcripts and accessible digital guides through the same guide every visitor uses. This matters because access is strongest when it is integrated into the visitor journey. It should not feel separate, hidden or harder to find.

Science Museum

At the Science Museum, Smartify worked on an audio description experience for the Technicians Gallery, created with young blind and partially sighted visitors at its centre. Developed through focus groups with RNIB and VICTA, the guide combines practical directions, spatial description, technician interviews and spoken word performance to support a more independent and inclusive visit. It shows how audio description can be creative, engaging and audience-led. Read more about the work here.

Tower Bridge 

At Tower Bridge, Smartify created a multi-sensory audio descriptive tour that invites visitors to listen, touch, notice changes in atmosphere and experience the landmark through sound, texture and movement. Available through a bring your own device (BYOD) guide, the tour removes the need for fixed distribution points and gives visitors access wherever they see a QR code. With 35% of visitors now choosing the Smartify-powered tour, it demonstrates how accessible digital interpretation can become part of the mainstream visitor experience. Read more here.

Natural History Museum

For the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project gardens, Smartify co-created an inclusive audio guide designed for blind and visually impaired visitors, young people and wider audiences. The guide brings together scientist interviews, youth climate voices, spoken word poetry and ambient garden sound, as well as bioacoustic recordings from rustling leaves to beetle larvae moving through decomposing wood. With orientation layers, tactile moments and flexible routes, it helps visitors move through the gardens with confidence while building a deeper connection to urban nature. Read more about the project here.

Access is part of interpretation

When it's done well, audio description is interpretation, helping visitors understand scale, texture, composition, atmosphere and detail. That means it needs time, care and specialist production. It should be planned alongside curatorial interpretation, not added at the end.

As more museums stage ambitious, capacity-limited exhibitions, digital guides can help make access part of the core experience: supporting visitors, protecting capacity and ensuring more people can take part on their own terms.