National Museum in Wrocław
What is it?
The exhibition ‘”Glass life stories. Polish female glass designers (1945-2020)” took place at the museum from 3 October 2023 – 14 January 2024, with the aim of presenting the work of Polish female glass designers creating over the last 75 years. The exhibition was accompanied by various events, for example workshops, lectures and a meeting with glass designers.
One of the more interesting offerings was a family workshop for children on the autism spectrum. The children were able to see the fancy shapes and colours of glass vessels and talk about working with glass mass.
For better comfort, the children were able to work in a small group, additionally accompanied by their siblings. What’s more, they had the opportunity to prepare for their visit to the museum before the activities thanks to a guide available online. Prior knowledge of the layout of the building and the rules in place (e.g. the issue of taking photos, eating) provides children on the autism spectrum with a sense of calm and security.
Why is it important? / How can it help the professionals of the cultural sector?
This project is important because a professional can find lots of helpful tips on how to handle autism spectrum disorder, such as always having small group activities, including siblings to create a sense of security. It also demonstrates the importance of the museum staff encouraging people to come to workshops a little earlier to familiarise themselves with the space, which helps people with autism spectrum disorders get used to the place where they will be working.
Project /organisation name
Where (country / region)
Type of institution
Permanent or temporary exhibition / project
Date
Physical / digital
Public targeted
Families with children on the autism spectrum
Device/ inclusive features
- A major exhibition of glass products presenting the work of Polish female glass designers creating over the last 75 years.
- A special guide for people with autism spectrum disorders available on museum’s website as pdf. document (How to prepare for a visit to a museum?) https://mnwr.pl/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/MNWR_przewodnik_spektrum_autyzmu.pdf
Collaborations / partners
Honorary patron
MOPS
Media patrons
- Fundacja A R A
- Fundacja Katarynka
Funding
Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage from the Fund for the Promotion of Culture. Event implemented as part of the Culture Accessible 2023 programme.
Replicability/adaptability
The idea of a guidebook in a form that is friendly and accessible to people on the autism spectrum as a way of getting to know the places visited in advance has great potential to be replicated in other places anywhere in the world.
Photos / videos to illustrate the good practice
Results / impact
The exhibition’s general availability was launched on 2 October with an vernissage, preceded by a preview for the Association of Friends of the National Museum in Wrocław.