Granet Museum to Host Groundbreaking Tactile Art Exhibition for the Visually Impaired
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A revolutionary exhibition offering a “permit to touch” renowned artworks will return to the Granet Museum in Aix-en-Provence from January 27 to February 8, 2026. The Tactile Tour, a partnership with the Valentin Haüy association, aims to make art accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals through innovative 3D printing and milling technologies.
Bridging the Gap Between Art and Accessibility
For the second time, the Granet Museum will showcase 15 meticulously crafted relief reproductions of masterpieces, allowing visitors to experience art in a profoundly new way. This isn’t simply about description; it’s about direct engagement. Visitors will be able to physically explore two sections of the famed Bayeux Tapestry, paintings by Renaissance masters Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, and even a stele from ancient Egypt.
“This offers direct and concrete access to the cultural content of museums,” a museum spokesperson stated, emphasizing the exhibition’s core mission. The project leverages digital modeling to create tactile versions of the originals, utilizing both 3D printing and the milling of polyurethane plates to achieve nuanced textures and forms. This allows visually impaired individuals to “feel” a work and gain a deeper understanding of its composition and meaning.
Technological Innovation at the Heart of the Experience
The Tactile Tour represents a significant step forward in inclusive museum practices. The process begins with detailed digital scans of the original artworks. These scans are then translated into physical representations, carefully designed to convey the essential visual elements through touch. The resulting reproductions aren’t merely outlines; they capture depth, texture, and form, offering a surprisingly rich and informative experience.
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Practical Information for Visitors
The exhibition will be located on the 1st floor of the Granet Museum. Admission to the Tactile Tour is included with the standard museum entrance fee. Importantly, access is free for people with disabilities and their accompanying person upon presentation of a valid disability or disability card.
This exhibition underscores a growing commitment to accessibility within the cultural sector, demonstrating how technology can dismantle barriers and enrich the museum experience for all. The return of the Tactile Tour to the Granet Museum promises to be a landmark event, fostering a more inclusive and engaging relationship between art and its audience.
