Museum for All: The how, what, why

Museum for All (MFA) is a European network and online database designed to promote and facilitate access to cultural institutions across Europe through a collaborative and inclusive approach. Established in 2012 and relaunched in 2021 with renewed vigor and vision, MFA aims to bring together information from over 30 European countries, making it easier for everyone to explore and enjoy museums. Our mission is to ensure that museums are accessible to all, regardless of personal characteristics or abilities.

Why Do We Do It?

Having a database for museum accessibility is crucial because it empowers all individuals to engage with culture on an equal footing. This resource allows potential visitors to access vital information about museum facilities, ensuring they can plan visits that cater to their specific needs and preferences. By promoting a Design for All approach, MuseumForAll.eu not only highlights physical accessibility but also emphasizes the importance of multisensory experiences, dietary accommodations, and inclusive communication.

Accessibility extends beyond traditional categories of disabilities to include free Wi-Fi, open data policies, gluten-free and vegan food options, bicycle parking, gender-neutral language, and childcare services. MFA was founded to help both big and small institutions become inclusive spaces where everyone can enjoy culture without barriers, fostering a more inclusive cultural environment for everyone, regardless of their personal characteristics.

For Whom?

Museum for All is for everyone who loves museums and believes in the right to access culture. Our database serves:

* Visitors: Enabling them to find and compare information about museum facilities, plan their visits, and ensure their needs and preferences are met.

* Museums: Helping them understand the diverse needs of their visitors and encouraging them to push the limits of accessibility and inclusivity.

* Professionals in Culture and Accessibility: Providing a platform for knowledge sharing, debate, and collaboration to foster a more inclusive cultural environment.

How?

At the heart of MFA is an easy-to-use online database that collates information from museum websites. Visitors can search and compare facilities across different museums, preparing themselves in advance for their visit. The database includes: * General information for visitors
* Wayfinding and access issues
* Available multisensory experiences (visual, acoustic, and tactile)
* Additional facilities such as children friendly facilities, free Wi-Fi, and dietary options
* Details on museums' mission statements, environmental strategies, and open data policies

Our approach is open, transparent, and collaborative. We encourage direct interaction with our database, allowing users to rate museums, add information, contact our team, or even discuss evaluation criteria.

Exemplary museums from our database

The Louvre in Paris, France

Vilamuseu in Alicante, Spain

KØN in Aarhus, Denmark

Join the Movement

We believe that culture should be accessible to everyone, and we are committed to making this vision a reality. If you work in a museum and want to be part of this transformative movement, please contact us at info@museumforall.eu. Together, we can ensure that every museum becomes a Museum for All. Explore the database, share your feedback, and join us in our mission to make culture accessible for all.