Train world
What is it?
Multisenso Rail is a small story-telling locomotive developed for people with a mental disability. A guide/story-teller will take you with them on the train with engineer Alfons and stoker Raoul. The tour is a multi-sensory route that shows you what it was like to ride on a steam train.
The story-telling locomotive contains adapted clothing, numerous experience-related objects to feel, as well as sounds and smells. The participants can control signal lights themselves and make smoke come out of the locomotive.
According to the Michelin Green Guide, Train World is an absolute must-see in Brussels. Reason? The museum’s unique scenography, a black box where soundscapes and lighting effects illuminate the collection in some surprising ways. And although the museum has been accessible to people who are not mobile since its opening, the scenography still contains some physical barriers, such as for people with intellectual disabilities.
Moreover, the way we convey museum content still leads to exclusion too often. A guide will constantly use (historical) frames of reference (e.g. the 19th century) that not everyone is familiar with. Even if he/she allows for some imagination, interactively engages the group and tells stories that captivate you, a guided tour rests upon knowledge. Giving a tour to a group that is not familiar with these frames of reference is a difficult job. This was how the challenging idea of developing an immersive package for people with intellectual disabilities to enjoy Train World was gradually born.
Why is it important? / How can it help the professionals of the cultural sector?
Inclusion and accessibility
Multisenso Rail significantly improves the accessibility of cultural experiences for people with disabilities, particularly intellectual disabilities. By adapting content and the way information is presented, it makes culture more accessible to those who might otherwise feel excluded.
By offering experiences that engage several senses, it enables individuals with various types of disability (sensory, cognitive) to participate fully in and enjoy cultural offerings.
Enhancing the visitor experience
The multi-sensory approach enriches the experience of all visitors, not just those with special needs. This method of engagement can increase appeal and interest in cultural content, making visits more memorable and educational.
Professional skills and the development of new programmes
Industry professionals can develop new skills in designing and delivering inclusive programmes. Learning to create multi-sensory experiences enriches their professional expertise and opens up possibilities for similar innovations in other contexts or exhibitions.
Cultural and educational impact
Multisensory programmes can also serve as powerful educational tools, offering alternative learning methods for schools and educational groups. This enables industry professionals to contribute more effectively to education and cultural awareness.
Project /organisation name
Where (country / region)
Type of institution
Permanent or temporary exhibition / project
Date
Physical / digital
Public targeted
People with intellectual disabilities
Device/ inclusive features
Storytelling + railwaymen’s clothes and lots of objects to touch. Sounds and smells are broadcast. Participants can even operate the stop lights and let off steam from the locomotive.
Collaborations / partners
- Faro
- Centre de soins De Ark
- Centre d’hébergement HAMA
- Amadeo Kollectif
- Peter De Cupere
- Wablieft!
- Inclusion (Facile à Lire et à Comprendre).
Funding
- SNCB
- Cap48
Replicability/adaptability
The potential for replicating or adapting the “Multisenso Rail” good practice in other cultural contexts is high, given its inclusive features and innovative approach to accessibility. The “Multisenso Rail” format can be adapted to a variety of themes and environments, not just trains or museums, but also parks, historic sites, etc., thus increasing its potential for replication.
Photos / videos to illustrate the good practice
Results / impact
“Multisenso Rail” provides people with intellectual disabilities with an enriching visitor experience tailored to their needs. Using a small storytelling locomotive to guide visitors along the route makes the experience more engaging and understandable, promoting greater inclusion in cultural activities.
The experience is designed to stimulate several senses at once, with soundscapes, lighting effects, and immersive storytelling. This multi-sensory approach not only helps to capture participants’ attention, but also encourages better retention of information and deeper interaction with the content.
By offering a visit that takes account of their abilities and allowing them to enjoy the experience to the fullest without over-dependence, “Multisenso Rail” helps to reinforce the independence and self-esteem of disabled visitors.