Inside the Emerson
Accessibility
The Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture is committed to providing access to art for all. We are happy to provide accommodations and assistance to people with disabilities.
Please review the accommodations below. If you have any questions about navigating the Emerson, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Operations via email or call (406) 587-9797, ext. 101.
Parking
The Emerson parking lot is located on the south side of the building off Olive Street. Designated accessible parking spaces are available near the southeast entrance by Sidewall Pizza, and by the west entrance to the West Wing.
Entrances
From the parking lot, wheelchair access to the Emerson Lobby, Crawford Theater, Ballroom, and Galleria hall is through the southeast entrance to the building by Sidewall Pizza (at Grand Ave. and Olive St.). Wheelchair access to the first floor of the Emerson’s West Wing is from the northwest corner of the parking lot at the end of the building, adjacent to the Lawn.
Seating
There are six wheelchair-accessible seats located in the back row of the Crawford Theater. Folding chairs are provided for companion seating. Click here for a seating chart indicating the locations of accessible seats.
The Jessie Wilber Gallery (first level on the north side of the building), the Lobby Gallery (first level, center of the building), and the Ballroom (first level, north side) are wheelchair accessible and have wheelchair companion seating. In addition, the Ballroom and Crawford Theater have ramps.
GENERAL ACCOMMODATIONS INSIDE THE BUILDING
Accommodations and considerations on the first/main floor of the building include:
- All floors are level, firm, and smooth.
- There are accessible restrooms with grab bars and 30-inch-high sinks.
- All areas are well-lit and free of hazardous overhangs and protruding objects for blind or visually impaired people.
- Unobstructed sightlines to an interpreter in public spaces can be secured for deaf or hard of hearing people.
Please note: the first floor of the Emerson (and all public spaces on the first floor) are wheelchair accessible; the second floor is not.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Director of Operations via email, or call (406) 587-9797, ext. 101.
