The NMV has initiated a project to make the National Museum Bangkok (NMB) more accessible to visitors. The NMV’s Blind Access Program (BAP)started so that those with visual impairments would be able to enjoy the NMB just as much as sighted visitors do.This project developed during 2007 and is a cooperative endeavour between the NMB, the Thailand Association of the Blind (TAB) and the NMV.
Recently officials from the Department of Fine Arts and senior curators from museums and art galleries around Bangkok attended one of the NMV BAP meetings. They decided that programs for the visually impaired would become a major priority for the Office of the National Museums.
In 2008, this project will be extended to encourage people with all disabilities to visit the National Museum Bangkok.
Central to these plans is the establishment of a Senses (or Dream) Room at the NMB. To be able to use our senses - to touch, smell, see and listen – will provide extra dimensions from which to access further layers of the art works.The NMB would allocate a space for this which would be purpose designed and built to provide a stimulating environment where visitors will be able to learn in an informal way through their senses.
This plan requires extensive research, discussion with disability groups, consultation with designers and other international museums.
It is proposed that funds from the NMV Photographic Exhibition will help to make this project a reality.A combined committee from the NMV and NMB would be responsible for this project. Funds would be held by the NMV and reports would be tabled to the NMV Steering Committee with reports to members through the NMV News.
It is hoped that this project will be realised next year with the Senses Room opening by December 2008.