Sensory basket (National Museum in Krakow)
What is it?
The basket was created as part of the activities of the “Spektrum” project. The National Museum in Krakow is the leader of this project under the programme ‘Erasmus+ Youth. Action 2 – Strategic Partnerships’ programme). Sensory basket is destined for people with autism spectrum disorder as they are more sensitive to stimuli such as sound, light, smell or touch. The objects in the basket – a spiked ball, noise-cancelling headphones, a plush ermine, a pop-it, a kaleidoscope – help to calm and focus sensitive individuals on exploring.
Why is it important? / How can it help the professionals of the cultural sector?
The tool described demonstrates the increasing sensitivity of museum staff to the needs of people on the autism spectrum. It also helps to organise the work of the museum (it is possible to pre-select items to accompany visitors to exhibitions by e-mail).
Tool name
Tool type
Accessibility features
The sensory basket includes items such as a spiked ball, noise-cancelling headphones, a plush ermine, a pop-it and a kaleidoscope. Quiet areas are also available in the museum.
Multilingual support
You can find the information about the tool in Polish and English.
Public targeted
All visitors with a priority for audiences and visitors on the autism spectrum.
Open source / free / paid / other
Sensory basket is accessible free of charge at the ticket offices of the National Museum branches. Discounted tickets are also available for people with disabilities to visit the museum.
User Interface (UI) adaptability
You can use the computer, mobile or tablet to send an e-mail to reserve the objects before your visit. The persons that used the sensory basket during their visit are asked to fill out a questionnaire at the end of their visit to help improve the experience for future visitors.
Platform compatibility
All the browsers
Installation and setup
Sensory baskets are easily accessible. They are located in checkouts / ticket offices, changing rooms or special quiet areas.
Updates and maintenance
The tool is being constantly improved thanks to the opinions of the visitors.
User support and documentation
Information about the items in the sensory basket can be found at the museum’s ticket offices. How to use them is presented by information material and museum staff.
Integration with other tools
n/a
Accessibility standards compliance
This is one of the solutions to support people on the autism spectrum who are more strongly sensitive to stimuli such as sound, light, smell or touch. The objects in the basket help to calm them down, help them concentrate on their visit and limit the access of unwanted stimuli.
One/two examples of a project where the tool has been used
“Spektrum” project
User feedback/success stories
“”Spektrum” is a pioneering project that has taken on board the very real problem of how a museum experience, or indeed a visit to a museum, is received by people with autism spectrum disorder. What is most interesting and valuable about this project is the practical approach. It is one thing to recognise the problem, but that is only half the battle, and another, different thing is to be able to do something about it. (…) It is the responsibility and task of the public institution to develop such solutions so that everyone can experience or encounter – in our case with art – as much as possible on their own terms in a convenient way. This is empathy and sensitivity transformed into professional solutions, and the whole team deserves a lot of praise and thanks for this approach.”
Tomasz Ostrowski, deputy director of the National Museum in Krakow for strategy and communication
You can see the whole video (in Polish, with polish subtitles) here