A museum for the blind in Montevarchi

And also paths for people with autism or cognitive disorders

di |
totem 2
A museum open to all, including those with serious health issues, who can still enjoy the beauty and emotion of works of art. Located in Montevarchi, in the province of Arezzo, the Il Cassero Civic Museum is the first in Italy to offer access to all its rooms to the blind, and to people with autism or cognitive impairments.
museum
Formwork for Sculpture/Facebook Page

The Museum, which houses important sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries, offers various inclusive visit options:1. Tactile path on the sculptures

  • A selection of around 50 sculptures is designed to be touched with special gloves.
  • The works are chosen because they are legible to the touch (shapes, volumes, materials).
  • An operator accompanies the visitor during the guided tour.

2. Audio descriptions and audio content

  • The works and rooms are described with audio descriptions.
  • You can use QR codes to listen to explanations directly on site or online.

3. Videos in LIS and accessible media

  • Videos in Italian Sign Language are available for deaf visitors, integrated into the general inclusive itinerary.

4. Sensory totem (multisensory experience)

  • A 3D model of the museum building to explore with your hands.
  • A tactile book with reliefs and text also in Braille.
  • Audio descriptions linked to tactile material.

5. Special projects and events

  • Workshops and performances like “Tactum,” where touch also becomes a creative tool for interpreting art through the body and movement.

To book a visit, you can:

  • Call the Museum (direct booking for tactile visits or groups)
  • Send an email to the museum or to the Municipality of Montevarchi
  • In some cases even through associations for the blind or schools
  • It is recommended to book with a few days in advance, especially for the tactile path

The visit lasts, on average, from 60 to 90 minutes, but can be extended up to 2 hours with the tactile itineraries, and it works like this:

  • A form is formed small group (often 1–8 people, to make the experience more personalized)
  • There is a specialized guide which accompanies you step by step

The selected works are presented with:

  • audio explanations
  • very detailed verbal descriptions
  • possibility of touching the sculptures with gloves provided by the museum

Federica Tripelli, a Tuscan with extensive experience in the museum services sector and director of the Il Cassero Civic Museum since 2017, says: .

Cover photo from the website www.comune.montevarchi.ar.it

Read also:

Want to see a selection of our news?

Don't Waste