A Center for Everyone
Accessibility Updates During Renovation
Within the Center’s ongoing renovation, accessibility for every guest is central to the design. This update highlights accessibility upgrades you’ll notice now across parking, lobbies, and the Auditorium, and previews what’s ahead in the Museum.
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Parking and paths: Thanks to the H.H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, the parking lots now feature more parking spaces, new zero-curb accessible parking, updated sidewalks, and clearly marked pedestrian routes for improved wayfinding.
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New crosswalk: The City of Midland installed a new crosswalk on St. Andrews Road that safely connects guests who park in the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library parking lot to the Center.
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New entrance (in progress): When the Museum reopens, guests will be welcomed through a new entrance inspired by alternative Alden B. Dow building designs. This will add another convenient, accessible entry point adjacent to our drop-off lanes.
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Restrooms: Fully updated restroom facilities in the Auditorium and Red Brick lobbies with accessible stalls and changing stations, plus brand-new Donor Lounge restrooms. The women’s restroom in the Auditorium lobby adds 5 stalls. New single-user accessible restrooms near the Auditorium are opening in phases.
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Concessions: Relocated inside the stairwells to provide additional space in the lobby, with counters built at a lower height for more accessible service.
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New accessible seating: 10 new ADA-accessible seats with companion seating in the upper level.
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Accessible path: A new ramp and path connects the Red Brick Lobby elevator to this seating area, allowing access without using stairs.
Assisted Listening Devices
We provide our Assistive Hearing Devices (AHD) in both the Auditorium and the Little Theater. If you would like to use one please see one of our volunteers as you enter the lobby, they will supply you with the device and show you briefly how to use it if you are unfamiliar. We have two different AHD available for our patrons:
The traditional “in the ear” device works without your hearing aids and is worn in the ears resting under the chin with the device facing the stage. The other is the T-Coil Loop device which is used in conjunction with your personal programmable hearing aids and will need the Bluetooth function turned on with your smartphone. It also needs to be facing the stage.
Both devices will work once the performance has begun. The volume is adjustable. All of the ear pads on the in-ear AHD are replaced after each use.
Assisted Listening Devices are not available for Outdoor Performances.
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
The Center has both wheelchair accessible and no-step seating available in our theatres. When reserving your seats, please make any needs known to the ticketing agent. Since this area is frequently requested, it is strongly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance for best availability.
Relaxed Experience Programs
Midland Center for the Arts is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment that makes live performances and our museums accessible to those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, sensory processing disorder, PTSD, and other sensory-sensitive people and their families.
A Museum of Science & Art social narrative is available to download before your visit. We also have social narratives for most relaxed performances.
Groups of Visitors with Disabilities
Midland Center for the Arts is committed to providing learning experiences for kids, teens and adults of all abilities, including groups! In our Museum, we tailor programs to fit the needs, abilities, and interests of groups with disabilities of all ages. Choose a guided visit—including a tour with optional add-on experiences—a self-guided visit to explore galleries with your group on your own, or a program at your site for those unable to travel to the Museum.
For performances in our theaters, see our calendar and Shows section then contact our Group Sales Coordinator. We'll make sure your group's experience is memorable.