Museums for All : Opening Museums to Neurodivergent Children

Abstract

The Museums for All initiative aims to foster inclusive cultural spaces by integrating neurodiversity into space design education. Developed in collaboration with the École de Condé, Villa Arson, and partners such as POP 06 and O-KIDIA, this project engages students in a multidisciplinary approach to accessibility in museums. The initiative unfolds in three phases: (1) Awareness Workshop at école de Condé to educate design students on neurodiversity through expert presentations and immersive VR simulations; (2) Inclusive Space Design Sprint, where students develop projects under the mentorship of orthopedagogues, culminating in a selection of five prototypes; (3) Public Event at Villa Arson, featuring a scientific conference, an interactive exhibition, and VR experiences, with participation from museum professionals and policymakers. Beyond its direct educational impact, Museums for All has inspired its partners to initiate working groups dedicated to fostering inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals in cultural spaces. These discussions aim to promote long-term institutional changes in accessibility and visitor experience. By combining pedagogy, technological innovation, and real-world applications, Museums for All encourages future designers to rethink museum spaces for all. This research explores the methodology, challenges, and outcomes of this initiative, highlighting its potential to transform museum accessibility at an institutional level.

Presenters

Yassamin Kouraichi
Consultant, Dowel Innovation, Alpes-Maritimes, France

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

2025 Special Focus—Galleries, Libraries, Archives & Museums: Engines of Innovation and Social Participation

KEYWORDS

SOCIETAL CHANGE, INCLUSIVITY, DESIGN FOR ALL, INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE, INNOVATION