Museums and exhibitions thrive on visual impressions and the information they convey. However, if there are barriers to accessing that information, the experience of visiting such events is diminished. The European Accessibility Act , which comes into effect in 2025 , aims to remove these barriers.
When people think of accessibility, many initially think of ramps or restrooms designed for people with disabilities. However, physical disabilities are just one barrier that excludes people from certain activities in everyday life. There are also barriers that disrupt or hinder the flow of information. Such barriers can be related to language, digital platforms, or cognitive impairments, for example. This is where the European Accessibility Act comes in. This European Union directive aims to remove barriers in public spaces and enable easy access to services and information for everyone. In the context of accessible museums, this means that information should be as easily accessible as possible for all visitors, without requiring assistance. This includes, among other things, the digital systems available, labels on exhibits, and audio guides.
This is how museums are implementing the requirements of the European Union
Museums are obligated under the European Accessibility Act to ensure barrier-free access to exhibitions and information. In many cases, this requires adapting the exhibitions and technical equipment. For example, comprehensive Wi-Fi infrastructure in museums helpful in providing visitors with permanent access to digital services. This is the only way to enable users to translate image captions into their own language using an app.
Museums are obligated under the European Accessibility Act to ensure barrier-free access to exhibitions and information. Photo by MF Evelyn @liaoweimeifang, via Unsplash
Furthermore, a large number of exhibits must be provided with subtitles and alternative texts. Multilingualism plays a central role here. Within the EU, information should at least be provided in English . Many museums go further and provide information in German, French, and often also in Spanish. QR codes are another measure to ensure accessibility in exhibitions. Visitors can scan these QR codes with their smartphones and access multilingual information. Many museums enlist the help of specialists for this task. The services of translators or voice actors are now in demand to provide information about exhibitions and museums in various languages. This also applies, for example, to audio guides for museums and exhibitions. Website content is also being translated into multiple languages, which likewise requires skilled personnel. Clear and simple language must be used, which is another requirement of the European directive.
Advantages for tourists and visitors: Information is more easily accessible
Visitors to exhibitions and museums will particularly benefit from the new EU directive, which is being transposed into national law in all member states of the European Union. This is especially true for tourists. Those who enjoy exploring museums and exhibitions across Europe on art-themed itineraries have likely encountered barriers. These might include audiovisual tours or printed information available only in the local language. In the future, tourists in all EU countries will have access to accessible information, at least in digital form. This ranges from multilingual websites to guided tours with translated audio guides. Thanks to the European Accessibility Act, cultural travel will be even more informative and therefore more engaging in the future.
Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor, and passionate blogger in the fields of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Graduated with a degree in web design from university (2008). Further developed creative techniques through courses in freehand drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market gained through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with key players and institutions in the arts and culture sector.
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