Address
1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook, NY 11790
Phone Number
(631) 751- 0066
Date Visited
09/25/2015
Website
Museums at Stony Brook
Description
Paved, level, handicapped parking is available directly in front of the visitors’ center of the Museums at Stony Brook, where the admission fee must be paid. There is an easily accessible ramp and a bell to ring if assistance is needed to enter the building. There is also an accessible bathroom in this building. Drive across the street, and park in either the lower or upper lot, depending on where you wish to go (see visitor map on museum website).Within the park- like setting, there are smooth, brick walkways to all buildings. The walk up to the Art Museum is a bit steep. There are benches for resting and some picnic tables. Both museums have ramps to their main entrances, with bells to ring for assistance.
The integral design of the Carriage Museum is a continuous gentle ramp that allows easy access to all exhibits. There is an easily navigable, handicapped bathroom just inside the main entrance.
The Art Museum has paved, handicapped parking spaces right next to the entrance. This museum is a small, one-level venue. There is a smaller, but still accessible, bathroom here as well.
- Surface of lot: paved
Distance to venue: close
Transportation to venue offered: na
Terrain: slight incline to art museum
Places to rest: benches
Paths and walkways: smooth brick
Doors: double doors, ring bell for assistance
Elevators: none
Ramps: in carriage museum
Steps and staircases: none
Width of aisles: easily navigable
Places to sit: benches
Location of restrooms: in each building
Type of restroom: multi-stall, handicapped accessible
Ease of entry and exit: easy
Baby changing station: yes
Available food services: none
Friendliness of staff: friendly and helpful
Notes: * Handicapped parking is available in front of visitors' center, across the street in lower lot near carriage museum, and in upper lot near art museum.* Carriage museum has two floors, art museum has one floor
We had been to the Museums at Stony Brook (as we call them) a few weeks prior to starting Destination Accessible. We could not believe that we had lived on Long Island for so long and had never been there. This Smithsonian Affiliate is a group of buildings set in a 9 acre park-like setting with a fountain at its center. There are benches for resting and some picnic tables as well. The Carriage Museum is a must! There are over 200 horse drawn carriages. There is also an art museum with changing exhibitions. The museums offer “Senior Tuesdays” and “2 for 1 Thursdays” (see website), as well as many family and senior programs.
We had noted the ease of navigation in the carriage museum and the somewhat steep walk up to the art museum. We had even discussed the fact that one had to pay admission in one building and then walk or drive across the street, and a bit up a hill, to get to the actual museum buildings.
We realized that we had not looked at things closely enough to report to you, so we returned with our checklist in hand and our eyes wide open. What we discovered is that this is a wonderful attraction that, according to the website, is truly “accessible to everyone.” We agree! All buildings have fully integrated ramps at their main entrances, double doors for entry and bells to ring if assistance is needed. All buildings have accessible bathrooms, (the one in Carriage Museum is the best).
You can park in either the lower or upper parking lot to be closer to the building of your choice. You do not have to leave your car at the admission building and walk. It is also good to know that the paths are smooth brick, so that walking is easy. Most importantly, all of the staff we interacted with was helpful and pleasant. What a lovely way to spend a day!
As always, we at Destination Accessible advise you to check the venue’s website, www.longislandmuseum.org, when planning a visit to “know before you go.”
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