Italy is embarking on a transformative journey, redefining how its rich cultural heritage is experienced by blind and visually impaired individuals. In a concerted effort to enhance accessibility across its renowned sites, the nation is ensuring that art is not a privilege reserved for the sighted but a shared experience for all.
A New Chapter in Accessibility
Long after the bustling crowds have left the ancient Colosseum, a small group of visitors is immersed in its history, exploring the amphitheatre through touch and sound. Among them is Michela Marcato, a 54-year-old woman who has been blind since birth, accompanied by her partially sighted partner. Their tour exemplifies Italy’s renewed commitment to inclusivity, allowing those with visual impairments to engage with art and history in meaningful ways.
As she runs her fingers over a miniature model of the Colosseum, Marcato discovers its elliptical shape—an architectural detail that had previously eluded her. “Walking around it, I personally would never have realised it,” she remarks. “But with that little model in your hand, it’s obvious!” Such tactile experiences are now at the forefront of Italy’s cultural offerings, signalling a major shift towards inclusivity.
Breaking Down Barriers
Historically, Italy has faced criticism for its lack of accessibility for disabled visitors. Many tourist sites have proven challenging, with narrow pathways, steep stairs, and inadequate facilities. However, since 2021, spurred by the European Union’s pandemic recovery funds, Italy has embarked on a mission to dismantle these barriers. The focus has shifted towards creating environments where all visitors can appreciate the nation’s artistic treasures.
One notable advancement is at the ancient city of Pompeii, which has introduced an innovative signage system featuring Braille and QR codes linked to audio guides, alongside tactile models of significant artefacts. Florence has also taken significant strides by publishing accessibility guides for its museums, detailing the provisions available for disabled visitors, including the need for companions in certain locations.
The Economic Upside of Inclusive Tourism
The commitment to accessible tourism is not merely a moral obligation; it also presents economic benefits. The World Tourism Organisation reports that nearly half of the global population over 60 lives with some form of disability. These travellers often bring companions, representing a significant market opportunity for the tourism industry. Giorgio Guardi, a tour guide with the Radici Association, emphasises that the aim of accessible tourism is to create enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.
This approach often entails a slower pace, allowing visitors to touch permitted items and engage with art through various senses. Nighttime walking tours, for example, offer a quieter experience at famous landmarks, fostering a deeper sensory connection with the surroundings.
Interactive Learning Experiences
Not every monument lends itself to direct interaction, which has prompted creative strategies among tour guides. At Rome’s Campo dei Fiori, visitors learnt about the statue of Giordano Bruno, a 16th-century philosopher executed for heresy. On a recent tour, participants were encouraged to embody Bruno’s posture, taking on the weight of his historical significance in a tactile way. This immersive method not only engages blind visitors but also includes the deaf community, with sign-language interpreters present to share the poignant story of Bruno’s life.
The creation of Italy’s first publicly funded tactile museum, the Museo Omero, stands as a testament to this progressive movement. Founded by Aldo and Daniela Grassini in the 1990s, this museum is dedicated to hands-on interaction with art, showcasing life-sized replicas of Italy’s most celebrated works. Aldo Grassini articulates the essence of tactile engagement, stating, “Touching something isn’t like looking at it… we need to caress it, because caressing gives you a different emotion.”
A Sensory Approach to Art Appreciation
Felice Tagliaferri, a blind artist whose works are featured at the Museo Omero, embodies this philosophy through his creations. He recalls the intimate moments he shared with friends, highlighting how touch captures emotional nuances that sight cannot convey. For individuals like Marcato, who may not see the vibrant hues of a painting, their appreciation is deeply rooted in sensory experiences, allowing them to connect with art in profoundly personal ways.
Marcato reflects on her deep love for the sea, a passion that shapes her understanding of the world. “For the noise it makes, for the thousand different sounds it produces, for the smell you breathe in,” she shares. This tactile and sensory approach to art is not just a substitute for sight; it is a distinct way of experiencing beauty that transcends traditional boundaries.
Why it Matters
Italy’s efforts to enhance accessibility for the visually impaired extend far beyond physical changes to its historical sites. This movement signifies a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity, where art and history are deemed fundamental human rights rather than mere privileges. By embracing diverse ways of experiencing culture, Italy not only enriches its own heritage but also sets a benchmark for nations worldwide, advocating for a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can engage with the beauty of art.
