Accessibility

The Hopkins Center for the Arts is committed to being accessible to and providing a positive experience for all visitors.

Physical or Developmental Challenges Accessibility

The Hopkins Center for the Arts, completed in 1997, is compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) facility requirements. The following describes some of the ways accessibility issues are addressed:

  • Accessible parking spaces are provided at the rear of the building, the closest place in relationship to the accessible entrance. Metro Mobility and MTC buses stop in front of the main door of the Center.
  • TDD / TTY service is available to patrons through the City of Hopkins.
  • The front entrance to the building is ramped and has automated door openers, making access easier for wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
  • Wheelchair and scooter seating is available for concerts and theater events. These seats may be reserved online or by calling the box office.
  • A courtesy wheelchair is available at the coat room on the first level on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Booster seats are available for children.
  • Assisted listening devices are available for events at the box office. These devices, which amplify sound, may be borrowed free of charge.
  • American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation of events will be provided, if requested at least two weeks prior to the event.
  • Service animals such as guide dogs are permitted at the Hopkins Center for the Arts and can be accommodated in the theater. Per Minnesota law, service animals must be capable of being identified as having been from a recognized training facility. View more information for the complete policy on animals in the building.
  • Room numbers are marked in braille.
  • Fully accessible rest rooms are located on both levels of the building with stalls and sinks designed to accommodate wheelchairs. An elevator connects the two levels. Water fountains are designed to accommodate wheelchairs.
  • Alarm systems provide both visual and auditory cues.

ADA Compliant for Arts Presentations

The Center is also compliant with ADA suggestions for arts presentation in the following ways:

  • Visual art is hung so that it is centered at 58 to 62 inches from the floor whenever possible. 
  • Labels and text are in high contrast and in 18 point fonts. Labels are placed between 48 and 67 inches above the floor. 
  • All artwork and its placement is evaluated to ensure that no potential hazard is created for patrons.
  • For performances, ushers with flashlights are available to assist people with seating if needed.
  • Ear plugs are available free of charge at concerts for those with sensitive hearing.

Economic Hardship Accessibility

Exhibitions are provided free of charge during regular building hours.

Concert Performances

The Hopkins Center for the Arts strives to keep ticket prices affordable through a program of the following discounts:

  • Hopkins resident
  • Member
  • Senior
  • Student

Special Programs

Food for the Soul

The Center partners with area food shelves to provide complimentary tickets to their clients who otherwise would not be able to attend live music performances.

Tickets are obtained from the following partnered agencies:

  • Golden Valley
  • ICA Foodshelf
  • PRISM
  • STEP of St. Louis Park

Open Door Policy

No one is turned away from a Hopkins Center for the Arts concert for financial reasons. People may attend a performance, subject to availability, on a pay-what-you-can basis by calling Lynn at 952-548-6487. 

Enrollment in General Assistance, Medical Assistance, Social Security Disability Benefits, and other assistance programs are qualifying circumstances as is the experience of unexpected financial challenges or substantially reduced income. Calls are confidential.

Accessibility for Theater Productions

Visit Stages Theatre Company for information on accessibility for theater productions.

Arts Access Award

The Hopkins Center for the Arts received an Arts Access Award in 1998 from Very Special Arts Minnesota.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal employment opportunity is provided for all qualified individuals with a disability as defined by the ADA.