The Pushkin Museum. A.S. Pushkin presents the first in Russia map of the sensory security of museum space

State Museum of Fine Arts named after A.S. Pushkin presents the first in Russia map of the sensory security of museum space as part of the Accessible Museum program. The map aims to create a positive experience of visiting the museum by people with a reduced threshold of sensory sensitivity, which is found in children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental features. Specialists of various professions, representatives of public organizations, and visitors with special needs were involved in sensory audits of the museum space and mapping.

Autism spectrum disorders occur both in people who need constant support, and in quite successful and successful ones, leading an independent lifestyle and actively representing the interests of a community of people with developmental disabilities. People suffering from autism spectrum disorders experience difficulties in socialization and communication, as well as in the perception of everyday sensory information, manifested in increased sensitivity to light, sound, large crowds, etc. These irritants were taken into account when conducting a sensory audit of the halls, along with proximity to the exit, seating, height differences, the presence of separate exhibits and other objects. However, not everyone suffering from autism spectrum disorders has sensory impairment, but when they occur, the profile of these disorders is very diverse. That is why many different specialists were involved in compiling the map.

The result of this work was a sensory safety map, which will allow visitors with sensory perceptions to feel more relaxed in the museum. The premises of the museum on the map are divided into halls with a minimum sensory load, which are recommended for the first visit to visitors with a reduced threshold of sensory sensitivity. Halls with moderate sensory load are recommended for re-visiting the museum, as well as for people with moderate sensory characteristics.

A sensory security card can be obtained at the reception, as well as on the website of the Pushkin Museum. A.S. Pushkin in the section "Accessible Museum". More complete information about the danger zones in the museum and several levels of sensory safety is presented on the website of the Pushkin Museum. A.S. Pushkin and is intended to serve as a planning tool for visiting the museum.

Marina Loshak, Director of the Pushkin Museum. A.S. Pushkin: “For many decades, our museum has been introducing visitors to the world art of special needs. We hope that the new information materials will help our visitors feel more confident in the space of the museum. These materials are especially useful for parents and educators who independently organize visits to the museum’s exposition. ”

Evgenia Kiseleva, Head of the Department of Inclusive Programs of the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts A.S. Pushkina: “For visitors with disabilities, an important factor in the positive experience of visiting is pre-training. Social history in the form of a comic book introduces you to all stages of your stay in the museum, including the entrance area, wardrobe and expositions of halls in which the conditions for a relaxing stay are met to the maximum. ”

Alexander Sorokin, neuroscientist, leading researcher at the Federal Resource Center for Comprehensive Support for Children with ASD, Moscow State Pedagogical University, curator of the project: “Printed version of the sensory safety map of the Pushkin Museum. A.S. Pushkin differs from most foreign counterparts in that the emphasis is on the safe areas of the museum, and not on sensory risks. The map indicates where to go if there is a risk of unwanted behavior in a person who finds himself in an unfamiliar situation or has a reduced threshold of sensory sensitivity. "

Issue of a sensory safety card is carried out as part of the Accessible Museum program, aimed at expanding the inclusiveness of the Pushkin Museum. A.S. Pushkin.