Africa Museum

In collaboration with ‘Toerisme voor Autisme’, the museum has developed sensory maps, a map of the museum on which particularly bright spots or frightening objects are indicated. An excellent way to prepare for the visit.

Increasing Accessibility

This project enables museums and other cultural institutions to become more accessible to people with autism spectrum disorders or sensory sensitivities. By making the space more predictable and less intimidating, the sensory maps help to reduce barriers to cultural access for an often underrepresented population.

Sensory maps contribute to a positive visitor experience by reducing anxiety and enabling people of all ages and abilities to enjoy their visit to the fullest, which can turn a potentially stressful experience into an enjoyable and rewarding outing.

Customisable

Each cultural institution can adapt the concept to the specifics of its space and collections. For example, a natural history museum might indicate areas with loud animal sounds, while an art museum might focus on areas with intense lighting or visually stimulating works.

Enhanced Visitor Experience

By providing sensory maps, museums improve the visitor experience for a significant proportion of their audience. This makes museums more welcoming and accessible, which can increase attendance and public engagement.

People with autism

Sensory maps and a visual road map have been developed in collaboration with ‘Toerisme voor Autisme’. These two tools can be used to prepare a visit to the museum.

‘Toerisme voor Autisme’

• Belspo
• National Bank
• National Lotery
• “Régie des bâtiments”
• DGD

Sensory maps can be created with the input of autism specialists and do not necessarily require advanced or expensive technology. Their development is based primarily on an in-depth understanding of the museum space and the needs of its visitors.

The project makes the museum more accessible for people with autism or other sensory impairments who may find certain visual or auditory stimuli difficult to manage. By having access to sensory maps, these visitors can plan their route to avoid or prepare for areas that might otherwise be uncomfortable.

Maps offer visitors the opportunity to navigate the museum space more independently and safely. This can be particularly liberating for people who often feel overwhelmed in unfamiliar or chaotic environments.

By providing information about potentially problematic areas, the museum helps to reduce the anxiety that some visitors may feel when confronted with unexpected or overwhelming sensory experiences.