If you’ve been to any of Meow Wolf’s five U.S. locations, you know that the exhibits — with their bright colors, flashing lights, altered visual perspectives and loud soundtracks — can be a sensory overload, even if you’re not typically sensitive to visual and audio stimulation.

That’s part of the intention of these so-called “immersive” art installations — to transport guests to another world using all the senses. But Meow Wolf management is keenly aware that some guests may feel overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and tactile sensations.

In 2023, the company achieved Certified Autism Center status at each of its locations by completing a certification process and training with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Meow Wolf sought this certification to ensure the exhibits are welcoming and accessible to everyone, said Melissa Gassien, director of operations for Denver’s Convergence Station.

“As we learn and grow and understand more about the accessibility needs of travelers, we keep adapting and growing to make sure we’re providing the best experience possible,” she said. “There’s so much new technology and unique apps and things just that make it easy to provide that experience to everyone.”

Part of the process involved training Meow Wolf employees on how to identify and interact with autistic individuals and other guests who may be experiencing overstimulation. Techniques include watching for people covering their ears, finding spaces to talk where no one is shouting over the house audio, letting visitors drive conversations about their comfort levels, and accommodating guests with tools like noise reduction headphones, sunglasses and sensory toys.

The training was geared toward individuals with intellectual disabilities, though some of the skills would apply to working with folks who may be intoxicated and overstimulated. It’s no secret that Meow Wolf is one of the trippiest places in Denver, and it hosts numerous psychedelic events, including the upcoming acid-inspired Bicycle Day celebration in April.

The company doesn’t condone drug use at its facilities, but security teams are prepared to de-escalate situations where people might be overwhelmed, Gassien said.

“This is absolutely where our security team would come in and just have conversations. Just kind of say, ‘Where are you at? How can we help make sure you have water, that you have a place to sit down? … How can we help facilitate that you’re comfortable?’” she said.

There are also specific rooms within Meow Wolf’s exhibits that offer calmer and quieter environments, some with no background noise at all. In Denver’s Convergence Station, Gassien points to the Blue Sound Spa in the Ossuary, which features blue tile from floor to ceiling and a soothing audio soundtrack. There is also a guest services lounge on the first floor where staff can escort people who need to decompress (it doubles as a room for breastfeeding).

Expect “white walls, some plants in there, a couch, kind of more of a calming space that just is like, OK, this is going to remind you of your living room,” Gassien said.

Convergence Station inhabits a massive 90,000 square feet across multiple floors. So if someone needs a break from the stimuli quickly, they can find a stairwell as a last resort.

“If you need an instant kind of take out of world, the stairwells are a little more of a visually muted space, but there is still light audio in there,” Gassien said.