Accessibility
Lilly House is a historic house museum of the early 20th century. Along with its associated gardens, it provides visitors an outstanding example of an American Country Place era estate.
Because of its historic nature, the house 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 and others to make their needs known so that the IMA can provide the best possible service. The IMA also encourages group tours to contact the IMA with information on any changes in group size, arrival time or mobility concerns.
Entrance
The Lilly House visitor entrance is not the front door. Visitors enter the lower level of the house, which now offers amenities such as new accessible 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. With advance notice, shuttle vehicles are available to assist visitors from the top of the drive to this entrance.
With advance notice, it is possible to enter the house from 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 will operate it for any visitor who wishes to use it.
There are two wheelchairs available inside the house.
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.
Seating is available on all floors for visitors who may become fatigued during the course of their visit.
Gardens
The gardens surrounding Lilly House are among the most beautiful and historically significant aspects of the estate. Spread 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, some of them quite steep.
Download IMA Gardens and Grounds Accessible Routes Map (PDF)
