Sensory Friendly Hours
An inclusive museum experience for every visitor
At the REACH Museum, we believe everyone deserves the chance to explore, learn, and feel welcome — exactly as they are.
Sensory Friendly Hours take place once a month, offering dedicated time for visitors of all ages who experience the world differently. These special hours create a supportive, flexible environment for those who benefit from changes in lighting, sound, pacing, or opportunities for movement and sensory engagement.
We understand that navigating public spaces can sometimes feel overwhelming or unpredictable. Whether you or your loved one is sensitive to sound and light, or needs opportunities for stimulation and self-regulation before engaging with exhibits, you’re welcome here.
What To Expect
During Sensory Friendly Hours, museum galleries are thoughtfully adapted to meet a wide range of sensory needs.
Calmer Museum Galleries:
- Overhead sounds silenced
- “Land Transformed” video muted with captions
- Lighting zoned for softer, more comfortable visibility
- Gallery 2 videos played at reduced volume (no captions available)
Optional Sensory Activation Area:
In a separate space, visitors who benefit from sound, motion, or tactile activities can enjoy hands-on experiences that support comfort and focus. This area is especially helpful for those who need sensory stimulation before or during their visit.
Everyone Belongs
Sensory Friendly Hours are open to children, teens, adults, and families who benefit from a customized museum experience. Whether you prefer a calm, low-sensory environment or an interactive space to engage your senses, we want every visitor to feel welcome and supported.
Our goal is simple: to ensure all members of our community can enjoy the REACH Museum in a way that works best for them.
For questions, partnerships, or feedback, please contact Erin O’Brien.
Partner With Us
At the REACH Museum, we believe every member of our community should have the opportunity to explore, learn, and feel welcome — in a way that works best for them.
Sensory Friendly Hours offer a customized museum experience for children, teens, adults, and families who benefit from a calm, low-sensory environment or an interactive space to engage their senses. These dedicated times help create a more inclusive museum experience for all.
We invite community partners, businesses, and organizations to join us in expanding this program — whether by sponsoring a monthly Sensory Friendly Hours date, supporting the creation of new sensory-friendly resources, or collaborating on a special sensory-friendly event tailored to your audience.
Together, we can make the museum accessible, welcoming, and enriching for every visitor.
