Culture, Dorchester, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on August 16th, 2024 | return to news
Dorchester museum trials new relaxed opening hours
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in Dorchester is to hold relaxed morning openings to accommodate visitors with autism and sensory conditions.
A museum in Dorchester is going to hold two relaxed morning opening sessions tailored to visitors with autism or sensory conditions who may need quieter conditions.
These morning sessions will be outside of the museum’s regular, busier hours. During these sessions, the lights in galleries will be dimmed where possible and large screens will be turned off, to create a quieter, more tranquil space.
There will also be sensory-friendly activities in the Learning Centre for visitors to take part in.
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery intends for these morning openings to provide a calm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors who prefer a quieter experience away from the hustle and bustle of museum’s regular visiting hours.
Elizabeth Selby, director of Collections and Engagement, said: “We’re delighted to open our doors a little earlier to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy our incredible collection and galleries. We have so much on offer for families including Sensory Backpacks, a Calm Space and Changing Spaces toilets.
“By opening earlier for Relaxed Mornings, we’re hoping visitors with autism and other sensory conditions, their siblings, parents and carers will also enjoy a museum visit, especially during the busy months of the school summer holidays.”
The relaxed opening sessions will be held on Saturday 31 August and Saturday 2 November from 9am to 10am. After 10am, the museum’s doors will open to the general public, but visitors are welcome to stay for as long as they like. The museum’s usual admission charges apply.
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