Russian museums launch tactile exhibits to welcome visually impaired visitors

Two museums in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod Region have secured grants to create tactile exhibits for visually impaired visitors. The Gorodets Historical and Art Museum Complex and the Alexander Pushkin Boldino Estate Museum-Reserve will develop specialised replicas as part of a wider accessibility initiative. Their projects aim to make cultural heritage more inclusive through touch-based experiences.

The funding comes from the 'Creating Tactile Copies of Museum Exhibits' competition, organised by the Art, Science, and Sport Foundation under its 'Special Perspective' program.

The Gorodets museum will produce tactile replicas of five paintings from its Countess Panina's House exhibition. These copies will allow visitors with visual impairments to explore the artworks through touch. Meanwhile, the Boldino Estate Museum-Reserve plans to create ten tactile models, including architectural details of Pushkin's memorial manor house and fragments of 18th–19th century interiors. Among the items is a reproduction of Vilyanov family furniture, along with the poet's own drawings.

Both projects will integrate the tactile exhibits into their permanent displays. Specialised guided programs will accompany the new installations, ensuring a structured experience for visitors. The museums will also receive methodological support to refine their tours and improve overall accessibility.

This initiative follows earlier successes in the region. Previous grant winners include the Nizhny Novgorod Art Museum, the Russian Museum of Photography, and the N. A. Dobrolyubov State Literary and Memorial Museum. Nationally, the Chelyabinsk Art Museum, Omsk Regional Museum, and Novosibirsk Art Museum have also benefited from the program in past years.

The projects align with Russia's state program 'Accessible Environment', which promotes inclusivity in public spaces. They also support the upcoming 'Family' national project, set to launch in 2025 under President Vladimir Putin's direction. Both efforts highlight a growing focus on accessibility within the country's cultural sector.

The new tactile exhibits will become a permanent feature in both museums. Visitors with visual impairments will gain direct access to historical and artistic collections through touch. The initiative marks another step in expanding inclusive cultural experiences across Russia's museum network.