by InTrieste
On December 4, at the Civic Museum of Natural History in Trieste, inclusivity takes center stage with a unique guided tour designed to make cultural experiences accessible to everyone.
Timed to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated globally on December 3, this initiative embodies the principles of accessibility and inclusion. For many, museums are places of wonder and discovery, but for individuals with intellectual disabilities or other challenges, navigating these spaces can often feel exclusionary. Trieste’s Civic Museum is taking a stand to change that narrative.
The tour, which begins at 3 p.m., is hosted in collaboration with Anffas, Italy’s National Association of Families of People with Intellectual and/or Relational Disabilities. Anffas participants will guide visitors through some of the museum’s most captivating exhibits, including its renowned dinosaur and shark galleries. What sets this tour apart is its use of “easy language” — a simplified, straightforward approach that ensures accessibility for visitors of all abilities, including children and families.
“This event is about more than just a museum visit,” said an Anffas spokesperson. “It’s about affirming the right of every person to participate fully in cultural life. Museums should not only be about what you see but what you can understand and connect with.”
Accessibility in cultural institutions has increasingly become a focal point for advocates worldwide. While strides have been made in physical access, such as ramps and elevators, intellectual accessibility — the ability to understand and engage with content — remains a challenge. Trieste’s effort is a rare and inspiring example of progress in this field.
The guided tour is free, though reservations are required. Visitors can secure their spot by emailing progetti_cse@triesteintegrazioneanffas.it. Organizers hope this event will inspire similar initiatives in museums across Italy and beyond.
