Djurgården is a place that should be accessible to everyone. The ‘St Julian prize’ (S:t Julianpriset) rewards work that helps to include people with disabilities in society. The prize has previously been awarded to the Vasa museum, Gröna Lund and Skansen. And now Tekniska museet has become the latest Royal Djurgården winner. This is in recognition of the museum’s wonderful work to make the museum accessible to more visitors.
Tekniska museet has been investing in accessibility for several years now. It has made improvements in ensuring access for all visitors, including those with physical impairments and intellectual disabilities. As well as installing new ramps and lifts, the museum has made its exhibitions and website more accessible. It has also adjusted its opening hours and capacity.
MegaMind
The main attraction that attracted attention for the St Julian prize is MegaMind. In the exhibition, visitors learn through testing, touching, moving, experimenting and exploring. Accessibility was a key feature of the exhibition right from the word go. Through the MegaMind function, the museum has also been able to offer visiting hours where there are fewer visitors and more educators.
Information
A key issue on the topic of accessibility is how visitors access information and that there should be a variety of ways of doing so. Tekniska museet has information available for those who want to access information through detailed information, moving objects, visuals and other mediums. MegaMind has a system whereby visitors can choose how they receive information.
The St Julian prize (S:t Julianpriset)
The St Julian prize is given out every year. It recognises companies, activities and organisations that actively work to make sure that everyone – regardless of their functional ability – can participate equally in society.
Tekniska museet won the prize in the ‘Access to information and communication’ category. “The MegaMind exhibition has a fully inclusive approach in its design”, the judges said. “Nobody should be excluded; everybody should be able to participate. The future of technology is the focus for the museum, which includes making information and communication available to everyone. By involving experts, researchers and reference groups, they’ve brought in a wide range of expertise. Their work sets a good example to others”.
The MegaMind exhibition is a good example of how you can ensure accessibility and inclusion (10.3)
The award recognises Tekniska’s ongoing work in making the museum accessible for all (11.3)