Monnaie de Paris works with the CRTH (Centre Ressources Théâtre Handicap) to provide access to cultural events for blind and visually impaired visitors in and around the 11 Conti Museum and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, thanks to Souffleurs d’Images (Image Whisperers). The concept: volunteer art students or artists accompany visitors to whisper descriptions in their ear. More information at www.crth.org or + 33 (0)1 42 74 17 87    

The 11 Conti Museum also has 10 panels in Braille and large letters with textured and 3-D drawings. They were created along the main themes:

Some objects are available to touch for all visitors (with titles in Braille and large letters):

• Engraver’s tools for direct engraving
• Engraver’s tools for modelling
• Steps for striking, finishing and patina of a medal (Dali by Dali model)
• Steps for manufacturing a decoration (Légion d’Honneur model)
• Steps for manufacturing an art foundry using lost wax (Petit Prince model)

Instructional or historical videos with sound provide educational images with particularly descriptive commentaries that allow one to understand the theme with only the sound. Videos were prepared from audio commentaries: image and sound are linked and redundant, making it easy for the visitor to understand.

The visitors’ experience includes audio narrative commentaries, sounds from the workshop, and olfactive devices (recreating the scents associated with some activities of the workshops).

Magnifying glasses with led, booklets in Braille and large print are available on loan at the ticket office.

All videos are subtitled and translated into LSF (French Sign Language), with more than 2h of video about various themes and content: craftsmen testimonies, animated instructional or historical videos, words from numismatists and a mini-documentary about the Pessac factory and contemporary minting.

The museum was designed to encourage convivial experiences and co-learning (in-situ screens sufficiently large for 2-3 viewers), with several reading levels and several usage levels (manipulation, viewer, etc.). Texts are written according to good editorial practices: simple, short sentences with familiar and concrete vocabulary, simple constructions (active voice, limited use of the substantive, etc.) and the creation of a glossary that is available at all interactive stations.

The development of multimedia according to good practices: development of simple interfaces that reduce the time dedicated to learning how to use the tool, with a “flat” information architecture, the possibility to return to the home page at any moment, and simple animated texts+images “instructions” when necessary. A uniform ergonomic and graphic chart throughout the museum has been designed.

10 panels in Braille and large print, textured and 3-D drawings were created along the main themes, providing simplified, graphic reading of the themes (see above visually impaired). Objects to touch and material to handle empower the visitor (pantograph, hammer coinage, screw press coinage) to explain step-by-step the processes and mechanisms used in minting, manufacturing medals, decoration and art foundry.

Finally, instructional and historical videos have players that can be paused at any time to provide additional information or to go back to view again.
 

The entire museographic itinerary was designed and adapted to all visitors. The entire museum is accessible by wheelchair. Seating areas are available throughout the rooms.

Loans for wheelchairs, portable seats and strollers at the ticket desk.

The 11 Conti Museum has a design thinking approach in order to continually enhance content and usability. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Contact us.