Louisville Welcomes The Dot Experience, a New Immersive Museum Attraction

The highly anticipated Dot Experience is now open in Louisville, inviting visitors to explore a new 28,000-square-foot museum from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) featuring interactive exhibits, historical artifacts and personal stories that offer a new perspective on disability and accessibility.

Designed so that everything can be touched, the museum explores themes of working, playing, living, navigating, advocating, educating and creating, offering visitors an immersive look at the experiences and achievements of people who are blind or have low vision.

“The Dot Experience shows that when we design for accessibility, we create better experiences for everyone,” said Craig Meador, APH president. “It reflects APH’s nearly 170-year commitment to expanding opportunity and reminds us that innovation is most powerful when it helps people participate more fully in the world around them.”

Upon arrival, visitors encounter an orientation station which provides resources to help them navigate the museum with an auditory and American Sign Language (ASL) experience.

Visitors begin in the Who We Are gallery, setting the stage for the idea that understanding, acceptance and commitment will lead to a more welcoming world for us all. Another gallery introduces visitors to Louis Braille and traces the evolution of braille through production, automation and education. Guests can also discover APH innovations including talking books and low-vision devices, and tour the APH factory to see how accessible educational materials are produced.

The museum also explores the life and legacy of Helen Keller beyond the familiar story of her childhood. Visitors can feel the rush of water and chill of the cast-iron pump associated with Keller’s breakthrough with language, gather around the desk from her home office at Arcan Ridge and explore personal artifacts from her travels around the world.

“The Dot Experience was created to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions and change the way people engage in the world,” said Jo Haas, APH chief operating officer and vice president of advancement, The Dot Experience.

The APH is located on Frankfort Avenue in Louisville’s leafy and charming Clifton neighborhood, filled with historic homes, alfresco dining and locally owned shops. The APH is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday–Sunday. Admission rates: Adult, $18; senior, $16; child ages 6-17, $14; ages 5 and under, free. Teacher and military discounts are available. Factory tours, $7. Groups larger than 15 are encouraged to make reservations.

Founded in 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) is the world’s oldest and largest educational nonprofit dedicated to creating access, opportunity and independence for people who are blind or low vision. APH creates and delivers accessible educational products and services, including braille, accessible educational materials, assistive technology and professional resources, to support literacy, education, independence and lifelong success.

While planning a trip to Louisville, guests can download a copy of Louisville Tourism’s annual Visitor Guide to see the city’s top attractions and bourbon distilleries. Visitors also can get additional city attractions, lodging and dining assistance at gotolouisville.com.