Diversity, inclusion and accessibility
Since 2016 we have been working incrementally and systematically on making the Rijksmuseum diverse and inclusive. We believe that the strength of diversity should be at the heart of multi-vocality in stories about our collection. Our public programme and our stories from history and art history foster awareness, understanding, knowledge and connection. We do this together with and for our staff members, audiences and partners to become a museum where everyone feels welcome and represented. We also make all efforts to ensure the museum is accessible to all visitors – whether they are in the museum itself, at external locations or at home.
CONNECTING THROUGH DIALOGUE
The VSBfonds started supporting the Rijksmuseum in 2023 with the multi-year Connecting Through Dialogue project. This initiative offers public programmes at the Rijksmuseum that centre on three topics impacting on society: the enduring effects of the Second World War; Slavery and Colonial History; and Gender and Sexuality in History.
Providing opportunities for dialogue around these topics means the Rijksmuseum can contribute to increasing awareness and understanding while also fostering connection between the participants. The dialogue programme also helps broaden the role of the museum in society at large.
AUDIO-ENHANCED SCALE MODEL AND THE EZWAYZ APP
An audio-enhanced scale model of the interior of the Rijksmuseum building can be found next to the multimedia desk. The model enables blind and low-vision visitors to use touch and hearing to explore the Rijksmuseum building. The 31 audio points distributed throughout the scale model mean visitors with a visual impairment can gain an understanding of how the building is arranged. The scale model was conceived by Hannes Wallrafen and created by his foundation Geluid in Zicht (Sound in Sight).
Many partially sighted and blind people face major accessibility challenges in public buildings. The eZwayZ app offers indoor navigation services to people with impaired vision. Now, anyone with visual impairment can use this innovative technology to find their way around the Rijksmuseum – independently, safely and easily. The development of the audio-enhanced scale model and the addition of the Rijksmuseum to the eZywayZ app were realised with the support of the Bartiméus Fund.
REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE RIJKSMUSEUM COLLECTION
In October 2024, research assistant Marte Sophie Meessen joined us to study the representation of people with disabilities in the Rijksmuseum. This research is being undertaken for, and in collaboration with, three Rijksmuseum departments: Fine and Decorative Arts, History and The Print Room. This research position is supported by the Bartiméus Fund.
The Rijksmuseum collection at your home
Not everyone is able to visit the museum, so we visit them at home. We use our accessibility programme to tour replicas of The Night Watch and paintings by Vermeer to nursing homes and senior accommodation throughout the Netherlands. Through another initiative, every two weeks Rijksmuseum staff members send a personal letter about some aspect of the collection to people who, for whatever reason, might benefit from some diversion. The letters (written in Dutch) are sent free of charge and anyone can sign up to receive them. This project is made possible by Stichting RCOAK.