Arts and culture bloom in downtown Fort Wayne. So many beautiful buildings, old and new, have become more inclusive and disability friendly. A family could definitely spend an entire day or weekend perusing different entertainment venues. Two such venues are the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Both buildings are accessible friendly and allow for exploration in most if not all of the beautiful galleries and gardens.

Explore Accessible Parks & Trails in Fort Wayne!

four glass vase sculptures at the fort wayne museum of art

Fort Wayne Museum of Art

The Fort Wayne Museum of Art entrance is zero threshold, and all the doors are automatic, including each gallery within the building. As you come in the entrance, there stands a huge glass table-like sculpture with a vibrantly colored sunflower inside of it. This piece was so illuminating and was just the perfect entrance.

Exhibitions include the Glass Wing, where each exhibit is at least three feet apart and easy to navigate in an electric scooter or wheelchair. Even the children’s gallery was very hand-on and an open space to play and explore.

Wheelchairs are available for visitors to use while within the building. 

Holiday exhibit at the Botanical Conservatory in downtown Fort Wayne

Botanical Conservatory

Next place to visit close by is the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Inside, you'll find three beautiful gardens: Showcase, Tropical, and Desert. Outside there is more to explore and places to sit and thoroughly enjoy the outdoors in a lush garden setting. Throughout, you can discover over 2,000 plants, one hundred plant families of origin, and over 1,000 varieties of plants.

Experience the magic of the gardens aglow during the $1-Night Light Display! The eve before Thanksgiving, kick off the holiday season with a stroll through the Botanical Conservatory, where indoor gardens glisten and glow with festive greenery, vibrant poinsettias and illuminated photo ops. During this special four-week display, enjoy multiple visits with family and friends, treat yourself at Café Flora and find unique gifts in the Conservatory Shop. Garden admission is just $1.

Many of the paths, both inside and out, do allow for wheelchairs, scooters, rollators, walkers, and strollers. However, some end at steps, and one will need to back track a bit to get to another location. Overall, the accessibility is prevalent in and throughout most areas.

Happy Holidays and enjoy exploring these fun and family-oriented locations in downtown Fort Wayne!