The Museum of Touch: Tangible Models for Blind and Low Vision Audiences in Museums

Museums curate collections of artworks, artefacts, and specimens, often shielded by barriers that prohibit physical interaction. Consequently, these exhibits are effectively inaccessible to people with visual impairments, preventing meaningful engagement with these cultural treasures. This study explores the idea of touch models, facilitating a bridge between objects in these collections and everyone, irrespective of their visual abilities. This chapter discusses three primary areas: (a) implementation of 3D scanning and 3D printing techniques, enhancing the touch experience for blind and low vision audiences in museums; (b) integration of multiple modalities, particularly 3D and audio elements, designed to further enrich the engagement for these individuals; and (c) a potential for sharing and transferring these touch models through open platforms to extend accessibility and knowledge dissemination. By utilising datasets as the foundation, this research advocates for a multi-modal approach to museum exhibition practices. Ultimately, this study seeks to eliminate accessibility barriers in museums, empowering blind and low vision individuals to immerse themselves in the narratives and cultural treasures encapsulated within these institutions.