Albany in Color!
The Albany Visitors Association is excited to introduce the Albany in Color! program, making EnChroma glasses available for loan to individuals with color vision deficiency. Thanks to support from Travel Oregon, this initiative allows visitors to see Albany’s historic sites, natural beauty, and artistic displays in enhanced color.
EnChroma glasses use advanced optical filters to increase color contrast and vibrancy, helping those with red-green color blindness perceive a broader spectrum of hues. While not a cure, these glasses offer a richer, more immersive visual experience, allowing users to enjoy Albany’s stunning landscapes, architecture, and artwork in a whole new way.
With EnChroma glasses, visitors with red-green color blindness can see Albany’s attractions in a whole new way. Whether strolling through a park, admiring historic landmarks, or enjoying local art, the ability to experience a broader spectrum of colors makes each visit more immersive and memorable.
Explore Albany's Vibrant Attractions
ALBANY HISTORIC CAROUSEL & MUSEUM
One of Albany’s most beloved attractions, the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Each hand-carved animal is meticulously painted in vibrant hues, from the brilliant blues of mythical creatures to the deep reds and oranges of exotic animals. With EnChroma glasses, visitors can fully appreciate the true colors and intricate details of these whimsical works of art.
McDowell Creek Falls Trail
For those seeking adventure beyond the city, a short drive to McDowell Creek Falls is well worth the trip. This stunning hiking trail features multiple waterfalls, lush green forests, and seasonal wildflowers. With EnChroma glasses, visitors can see the full depth of greens in the moss-covered trees, the rich browns and oranges of autumn leaves, and the brilliant white cascades of the waterfalls against the surrounding foliage. The enhanced colors add to the breathtaking beauty of this hidden gem, making it an even more rewarding experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
MONTEITH RIVERPARK & ALBANY’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Nature and music lovers alike will appreciate the vibrant atmosphere of Monteith Riverpark, where the lush greenery, colorful wildflowers, and scenic Willamette River create a stunning backdrop. During the summer, the park comes alive with River Rhythms and Summer Sounds, two beloved concert series that feature performances from local and national artists. With EnChroma glasses, visitors can enjoy not only the energy of live music but also the enhanced vibrancy of the stage lighting, banners, and natural surroundings, making the experience even more immersive.
Gallery Calapooia
Art lovers won’t want to miss a visit to Gallery Calapooia, where the works of local artists shine in a whole new light. The enhanced color perception provided by EnChroma glasses allows visitors to see the depth and vibrancy of paintings, sculptures, and textiles in a way they may have never experienced before. Subtle color variations, brushstroke details, and the full range of an artist’s palette come to life, making every piece more immersive.
Northwest Art & Air Festival
If visiting Albany during late summer, the Northwest Art & Air Festival is a must-see. This annual event fills the sky with a spectacular array of hot air balloons in every color imaginable. With EnChroma glasses, the experience is even more magical as the balloons float against a crisp blue sky, revealing their true, radiant colors.
The Importance of Color Accessibility in Albany
Color vision deficiency affects millions of people, limiting their ability to fully experience colorful attractions such as parks, museums, and historic sites. A 2023 study by EnChroma highlighted how color blindness impacts travel and art appreciation, showing that:
- 49% of color blind individuals said their condition affects their interest in visiting museums and cultural sites.
- 77% feel "left out" or disappointed when visiting colorful attractions due to their inability to fully perceive the colors.
- 85% would be more likely to visit museums, gardens, parks, or tourist destinations if EnChroma glasses were available for loan.
- Nearly 70% want national and state parks to offer scenic viewers adapted for color blindness.
Recognizing this need for color accessibility, the Albany Visitors Association is proud to be part of the movement to make tourism and local experiences more inclusive. By offering EnChroma glasses for loan, we are ensuring that individuals with red-green color blindness can enjoy Albany’s vibrant scenery, art, and historic sites to the fullest.
