Touching Tut Ench Amun & Co.

A barrier free exhibition designed especially for the blind and visually impaired is concerned with the culture of ancient Egypt: The exhibits that comprise statues, stone tablets and a sarcophagus can be experienced through touching during an audio guided tour.

01/07/2005

 
© Egyptian Museum Uni Leipzig

Caught out again. "Please, not so close!", calls the museum's staff from a corner. Guiltily, the visitor steps back from the exhibit. Even if he only wanted to take a very close look at the treasure, it does not matter. A painting, a statue, some jewellry or a carving - the majority of exhibits in museums are so valuable that those interested can be thankful if they are allowed to look at it from a respectful distance.

But things can be different. At least in the city of Leipzig in Germany. There, it is possible to feel hieroglyphics, touch a sarcophagus and stroke statues. Thanks to the exhibition "Touch Old Egypt" (Das alte Ägypten (be)greifen) that opened on 28 May this year. The organisers of the Egyptian Museum belonging to the University of Leipzig wanted to create an exhibition that presented itself barrier free to the blind and visually impaired.

 
© Egyptian Museum Uni Leipzig

A large room inside a manor-house (Gohliser Schlösschen) accommodates 40 Egyptian exhibits, some replicates and models but also eight originals that are more than 3000 years old. The pieces have been categorised into five subjects: Everyday life, scripture, kingship, gods and death cult. Since not only the blind and visually impaired are welcome but also any other interested person, the visitors up to now made up a good mix of seniors, children and adults.

Until 2 October it is possible to visit the exhibition with an audio guidance system that takes about one and a half hours. Whoever prefers a special guide needs to give advance notification.

REHACARE.de