Accessibility
Oldfields -- Lilly House and Gardens is an estate of the early 20th century. Because of its historic nature, the property can present some challenges to individuals with mobility concerns, but in most cases there are means available to ease these possible difficulties.
The IMA encourages individual visitors, tour operators, activity directors, educators and others to make their needs known so that the museum can provide the best possible service. The IMA also encourages group tours to contact the museum with information on any changes in group size, arrival time or mobility concerns.
Entrance
The Lilly House visitor entrance, which offers amenities such as new restrooms and an orientation theater, is on the lower level of the house. Visitors approach the entrance by way of the chauffeur’s drive at the north end of the house (to the right when facing the front of the house). The drive is a gently sloping curve, descending approximately 11 ½ feet over a distance of about 300 feet. The entrance doors feature electric openers. With advance notice, shuttle vehicles are available to assist visitors from the top of the drive to this entrance.
Under some circumstances, and with advance notice, it is possible to enter the house from the front door. Two portable ramps are required to make it possible to bring a wheelchair into the house through the front door. With the assistance of staff members, it is also possible to exit at the first-floor level.
Inside the House – Ramps, Stairs, Elevator & Seating
Inside the house, a ramp with handrails leads from the entry level to an elevator that can take visitors to the first and second floors. Because the elevator car dates to the 1930s and is relatively small, an IMA staff member must operate it for any visitor who wishes to use it. The elevator door is 31” wide; the car is 44 ½” wide and 46” deep.
There are two wheelchairs available inside the house for visitors’ use.
The staircase in Lilly House is circular with 16 steps (8” rise) leading from the top of the ground-floor ramp to the first floor, and 23 steps (7” rise, with one landing) leading from the first floor to the second. Both stairs feature handrails.
While moving through the rooms on the first floor, visitors will encounter different floor surfaces (wood, marble, linoleum, carpet) and two small ramps that bridge a 3 ½-inch change in floor elevation on the west side of the house.
For visitors who may become fatigued during the course of a tour, limited seating is available on the first floor and may be requested from a security officer. Limited seating is also available on the second floor at all times.
Gardens
The gardens surrounding Lilly House are among the most beautiful and historically significant features of the estate. Extending over approximately 10 acres, they are delightful throughout the year and include a variety of formal and informal features. Roads and paths through the gardens employ a variety of surfaces including asphalt, concrete, gravel, stepping stones and grass. Some garden areas are located on sloping ground, and paths through these areas often feature steps.
