Still from the guide for the people with hearing impairments

The Wilanów Palace Museum has carried out extensive work, so that all visitors, including those with special needs, have an unlimited opportunity to view the exhibits without assistance and to explore the only Baroque royal residence in Poland. Although this is not always feasible due to the historic nature of the monuments and the associated conditions, we are constantly seeking new and interesting solutions to make knowledge on customs, culture, art and nature available to the largest-possible group of recipients, so that they can learn it in an active and fascinating way; also by participating in the events organised in the Wilanów Palace and gardens.

Continuing these efforts is possible due to EU funding. Within the project “Making historical and environmental resources accessible to people with visual and hearing impairments”, many practical and innovative aids have been prepared.

To cater for the needs of people with visual impairments, the following were provided:

• tactile maps of the Palace and its gardens,
• tactile catalogues customised for the visually impaired,
• tactile models of the Palace and its gardens,
• tactile versions of selected paintings with audio descriptions,
• topic-based tours with audio descriptions, including tours for children,
• a Palace-and-garden guidebook in Braille.

Tactile version of the equestrian portrait of Stanisław Kostka Potocki by Jacques Loius David, photo by M. Walewska

The project contributed to developing signed content on the Museum’s vortal, available in the form of topic-based video tours used during the sightseeing of the Palace and the gardens. This has provided our hearing-impaired guests with improved access to historical and environmental resources.

In addition, the project has made it possible to purchase various tools, including electronic magnifying glasses, a hearing loop for the ticket office and an interpreter booth.

We have produced a special map of the museum’s premises for people with motor impairments, including information about improvements and obstacles.

The museum has also ensured that its vortal has been improved to make it easier to browse for people with special needs, in line with the applicable guidelines, and has prepared an app enabling unassisted sightseeing of the Palace and the gardens.

Making historical and environmental resources accessible to people with visual and hearing impairments - part of the “The revitalisation and digitalisation of Wilanów, the only Baroque royal residence in Poland” project. The Project had secured support from the European Regional Development Fund under the Infrastructure and Environment 2007-2013 Operational Programme, Priority XI “Culture and Cultural Heritage”, Activity 11.1. Protecting and maintaining cultural heritage of over-regional importance. In accordance with the adopted Project Implementation Scheme, the investment was completed by 30 September 2015. The total value of the Project: PLN 18 854 348,06. The amount of additional financing: PLN 14 912 881,37 (European Regional Development Fund: PLN 12 675 949,15, and State Budget: PLN 2 236 932,22). For more information on the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme please visit www.pois.gov.pl. For more information about the project please click on this link.