Download the museum app!

Inclusive museum: an accessible offer for everyone

Santa Maria della Scala together with the Municipality of Siena has taken an important step towards inclusivity, making the museum experience more accessible thanks to an innovative project involving the city's main museums: the Civic Museum, Santa Maria della Scala and the Water Museum.

Thanks to funding of €320,100.00 received in 2022 through the "NextGenerationEU" initiative and the Ministry of Culture, a new multifunctional app that makes museum visits even more accessible. Available in Italian, English, French, German and Italian Sign Language, the app offers different modes of use, such as text reading and listening, accompanied by in-depth content and a rich iconographic apparatus.

An App Designed for Everyone

The new app is not just a simple guide tool, but a true aid to the visit. The geo-referenced floor plans have been designed to allow visitors to easily find their way around the various museum spaces, with indications on connections, ancillary services (such as restrooms, cafés, bookshop) and the accessibility level of each area (e.g. elevators, stairs). Furthermore, the app is available both in the Web App and Offline for devices Apple and Android, freely downloadable from Apple Store and Google Play.

Multimedia Resources and Accessible Seating

To further facilitate visitors' experience, the museums have enhanced the offering of multimedia resources: tablets, smartphone chargers and disposable headphones have been purchased to be made available to visitors. In addition, 'accessible' seating with special features, such as locking wheels and supports to make it easier to stand up from a seated position. Also the wheelchairs are available free of charge for users with mobility impairments.

A Comprehensive Vision of Inclusivity

Inclusivity does not stop at technological tools: a plan has been designed to improve the digital accessibility, with the strengthening of Wi-Fi coverage at Santa Maria della Scala and the upcoming reorganization of the museums' websites according to advanced accessibility criteria. These changes are intended to ensure that every person, regardless of their needs, can fully enjoy the beauty and culture that Siena's museums have to offer.

A Fundamental Project for the Community

The "Musei Inclusivi Siena" project is an important step toward a truly accessible culture for all, demonstrating how art and history can be shared without physical, cognitive and sensory barriers. With the participation of professionals and continuous attention to visitors' needs, the Municipality of Siena is helping to create a museum environment that welcomes everyone, bringing art and culture even closer.

The museum provides, upon request and free of charge, iPads to visit the museum via the app.