The Mauritshuis
What is it?
The museum provides many facilities for wheelchair users that make a visit to the museum easier and more enjoyable.
Mobility aids can be booked in advance by phone or email. For those in an electric wheelchair, most exhibits are accessible. In the case of the lift in the historical part of the museum, the problem of the possible size of the electric wheelchair can be solved by offering to book and borrow another wheelchair at the museum.
Why is it important? / How can it help the professionals of the cultural sector?
The Mauritshuis accessibility offer proves that even a small museum, but a world-class one with a rich art collection, can be made more accessible to people with different disabilities.
(including not only physical impairment but those who are deaf, blind or have dementia as well).
Solutions provided by the museum for:
- people with hearing impairments (information on works of art is available on the Mauritshuis app)
- blind people (assistance dogs)
- people with dementia and their supervisors/attendants (special guided tours)
Project /organisation name
Where (country / region)
Type of institution
Permanent or temporary exhibition / project
Date
Physical / digital
Public targeted
Physical impairment
Device/ inclusive features
- Wheelchairs, canes and stools available for hire from the service office
- Several parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the museum for mobility impaired visitors
- Seating areas in all rooms
- Special toilets for wheelchair users
- Assistance dogs are accepted
Collaborations / partners
- Friends Lottery
- NN Group
- Ministry of Education
- Culture and Science
- Rembrandt Society
- Domain Partner: Lely, Creative Digital Project Partner
Funding
The museum obtains funding for publications, exhibitions, educational projects, renovation of the building and to adjust the museum tour to the different group from various foundations, e.g. Fil Foundation, Fonds 21, Fonds 1818, VSBfonds, Zabawas.
Replicability/adaptability
High potential due to the number of facilities for mobility impaired people within one museum
Websites
Photos / videos to illustrate the good practice
Results / impact
The museum’s accessibility and facilities give everyone an equal opportunity to see a collection of the best paintings and most important artists – from the Netherlands, Germany and France: Rembrandt, Rubens, Brueghel, Vermeer, Steen. The world-class collections are accessible to everyone, as the museum’s website states:
“Everyone is welcome at the Mauritshuis and Prince William V Gallery, whether you come alone or in a group, on foot or in a wheelchair. Our experienced team is always ready to help.”