Accessibility
At Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the stories, music, and memories that make up Dolly's extraordinary life.
Creating a welcoming, inclusive experience for every guest is an important part of who we are. Whether you're planning your visit in advance or need assistance while you're here, our team is committed to helping you enjoy the museum comfortably and confidently.
If you have questions before your visit or would like to discuss your accessibility needs, please contact us in advance. We're happy to help you plan the best possible experience.
Getting Around the Museum
The museum is ADA accessible, with accessible routes connecting all public galleries, exhibit spaces, elevators, retail areas, and restrooms.
To support guests during their visit, we offer:
- Complimentary wheelchairs (available on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Elevator access throughout the museum
- Accessible restrooms
- Seating at several points throughout the museum.
If you use a larger mobility device or have specific questions about navigating the museum, we encourage you to contact us before your visit so we can help you plan your experience.
Access Companion Device
Complimentary Access Companion Devices are available to check out from our Museum Host team for the duration of your visit.
Using location-aware technology throughout the museum, Access Companion Devices automatically provide exhibit content as you move through the galleries and can be customized to support a variety of guest needs, including:
- Assistive listening
- Closed captioning for exhibit media
- Spanish-language narration and interpretation
Access Companion Devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
American Sign Language (ASL)
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the museum provides auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication for all guests.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are available upon request with advance notice. To allow sufficient time for coordination of services, we request that interpreter requests be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to your planned visit whenever possible.
Requests may be made by contacting Guest Services at info@dollyslifeofmanycolors.com. While we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests made with less notice, services may not be guaranteed if insufficient time is provided to secure an interpreter.
Sensory Accessibility
Complimentary sensory kits are available to check out from Museum Hosts for the duration of your visit.
The museum features immersive storytelling experiences with music, projection, theatrical lighting, and interactive media. Throughout your visit, you may encounter:
- Loud audio
- Low lighting
- Flashing or changing light effects
- Scented effects in select exhibits
- Crowded environments during peak visitation
Two experiences in particular — Songbird Cinema and the Virtual Concert Hall — feature darkened environments and immersive media. The Virtual Concert Hall is the museum's highest-sensory experience, featuring loud music and bright, dynamic large-screen effects. Guests who prefer to skip the Virtual Concert Hall may bypass the experience and proceed directly to the Imagination Library.
A quiet sensory reset area is available in the hallway across from the guest restrooms for anyone who needs a break from the exhibit environment.
For guests who'd like to plan ahead in more detail, our [sensory map] shows where these moments occur along your route.
If you have questions about the sensory experience or would like assistance planning your visit, we're happy to help.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome throughout Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum, including all exhibit galleries, theater experiences, and retail areas.
What counts as a service animal: Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to perform a specific task related to a person's disability. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless that interferes with their work, in which case they must be under voice control at all times.
In rare cases where an animal is out of control or not housebroken, we may ask that it be removed from the premises.
Pets, emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy animals are not permitted inside the museum, in accordance with ADA guidelines.
Need Additional Assistance?
Accessibility is about more than the physical space, it's about making every guest feel welcome.
If you need assistance at any point during your visit, simply let one of our Museum Hosts know. Whether you have a question, need directions, would like help accessing an exhibit, or simply need a moment to regroup, our team is here to support you.
If you require an accommodation not listed on this page, please contact us before your visit. We will do our best to provide reasonable accommodations and help ensure you have an enjoyable museum experience.
If you have any additional questions, you may contact us at help@dollyslifeofmanycolors.com.