A recent study on accessibility in museums across Lombardy and Piedmont has revealed that while there is growing awareness of the need for accessibility, significant gaps remain in providing inclusive experiences for people with disabilities and young children. The report, presented yesterday, June 23, 2026, in Milan, highlights that over half of the surveyed institutions lack cognitive and sensory solutions, and many do not offer specific training for staff.
Heterogeneous Development in Museum Accessibility
The study, conducted by Fondazione Cariplo and implemented by the Associazione Abbonamento Musei, surveyed approximately 336 museums in 12 Lombardy provinces and two Piedmontese provinces. Out of these, 255 cultural institutions responded, indicating a willingness to address the issue. However, the findings show a highly heterogeneous level of development in accessibility measures across these institutions.
More than half of the facilities (over 50%) are devoid of cognitive and sensory solutions, crucial for visitors with certain disabilities. Furthermore, over one in two museums (more than 50%) do not provide regular, specific training for their staff on how to cater to diverse needs. This lack of specialized training can significantly hinder the quality of experience for visitors requiring additional support.
Involving Disabled Individuals Improves Accessibility
A key finding from the research is that museums that directly involve people with disabilities in the design of their activities demonstrate over 47% more accessible solutions compared to those that do not. This underscores the importance of co-creation and user-centered design in developing truly inclusive environments.
Despite this positive correlation, only 9% of the surveyed museums fall into the category of advanced accessibility. A substantial 60% of institutions exhibit a reduced provision of dedicated spaces, services, and materials, suggesting a widespread need for infrastructural and programmatic improvements.
Children’s Accessibility: A Mixed Picture
The report also delved into accessibility for children, particularly those in the 0-6 age range. For the youngest group, 0-3 years old, only one in four museums (25%) reported having specific provisions, even though almost all (nearly 100%) offer free admission for this age group. This indicates a disparity between policy and actual services.
For children aged 4-6 years, approximately 60% of museums state they are equipped to cater to this age group, with 68% offering free entry. While this is a better outcome than for the younger demographic, there is still room for improvement to ensure these spaces are truly engaging and accessible for all children.
Strategic Programs to Enhance Inclusivity
In response to these findings, two strategic programs have been launched to improve the situation: “Anita” and “Destinazione Autonomia.”
- “Anita” aims to ensure that very young children become full-fledged museum visitors, focusing on initiatives and resources tailored to their developmental needs.
- “Destinazione Autonomia” (Destination Autonomy) is a forthcoming call for proposals designed to fund projects that enhance accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities.
These programs represent a concerted effort to address the identified shortcomings and foster a more inclusive cultural landscape in the region. The goal is to move beyond mere physical accessibility to truly integrated and enriching experiences for all visitors, regardless of their age or abilities.
The report underscores the ongoing challenge of creating genuinely inclusive cultural spaces and provides a roadmap for future interventions to ensure that museums are welcoming and enriching for everyone.
Source: https://milanopavia.news/news-milano/milano-presentato-un-report-sullaccessibilita-nei-musei-poca-inclusivita-per-disabili-e-bambini/
