Counting Down: One Year Until the Opening of The Dot Experience

With only one year left until the opening of the world’s most accessible museum, there is much to do, and much to celebrate!  

Where Are We Now? 

The Dot Experience Museum is coming together as construction continues to develop in the heart of Louisville, KY on Frankfort Avenue. From general construction to exhibit design, details are beginning to be set in stone. “Walls are going up, windows are going in, I can picture where all the exhibits are going to be. It is really exciting to see it taking shape,” said Dot Experience Product Specialist, Erin Gibbons. “Big spaces have been created, and now specific details are being perfected to make sure things continue to align with the museum’s vision.” 

Most recently, Solid Light visited to scan notable written works for replicas that will be displayed throughout exhibits in the museum. Specifically, in the Innovations and Breakthrough Gallery a section on Louis Braille will display replicas of tactile codes and raised letter works that led to the creation of braille. Providing the best content for visitors alongside conservation of the physical copies of these works is only one part of the many design choices that the team is working through to curate the best possible exhibits.  

Celebrating Major Milestones 

On October 3rd, APH hosted a press conference to honor a significant multi-year contribution from the local Zoeller Pump Company, followed by a Hard Hat tour of the soon-to-be Dot Experience Museum. Zoeller Company is a family-owned water pump manufacturer headquartered in Louisville, KY that works diligently to serve the community and protect the environment through their high-quality products.  

“Many attractions get labeled as groundbreaking because they’re bigger, flashier, or more complex than something that has come before. This project is groundbreaking in a unique way… it’s bold. By elevating the lived experiences of individuals who are blind or low vision, we can demonstrate what human potential really looks like,” said APH’s Vice President of Advancement and The Dot Experience, Jo Haas. “Here, everyone is welcome. The Dot Experience, when we open our doors in October of 2026, will change perspectives about blindness and disability, and empower individual action toward a world that welcomes everyone.” 

During the conference, Dwight Newton, Corporate VP Human Resources – Chief People Officer, of the Zoeller Pump Company spoke on the decision for their continual support of The Dot Experience. “We believe that innovation is something that has to happen. We believe that innovation starts with access and inclusion…That’s why we are honored to contribute. We are very excited to support The Dot Experience, a space dedicated to educating, inspiring, and breaking down barriers that exist. This is more than a donation from us, it’s a commitment,” said Newton.  

Following the press conference, members of the media were invited to put on their hard hats and walk through the inside of The Dot Experience building. Throughout the tour, Haas spoke on the vision for each exhibit, and helped attendees envision the life-changing materials that would soon fill the space.  

Staying Connected 

While the opening of The Dot Experience is one year out, there are plenty of ways to stay involved until then. Community events focused on access and education will be happening around Louisville, and a list of upcoming events can be found on the events tab of The Dot Experience web page. Alongside these free events, The Dot Experience has multiple unique programs that can be booked and brought directly to your school or home. A detailed list of these programs and instructions on how to book can be found on the School Programming page of the website.  

To find out more about The Dot Experience and stay plugged in to everything that’s going on, follow The Dot Experience Facebook page. We are looking forward to seeing you at the world’s most accessible museum October 2026!