November 2024 Digital accessibility report of European Museums

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Digital Accessibility and Access to Culture

Digital accessibility in the cultural sphere bridges two vital aspects: integrating people with various disabilities and ensuring equal access to cultural resources. Digital technologies now allow people with disabilities to participate in cultural events, explore museum collections, and more easily plan visits to cultural institutions. Well-designed websites and apps play a key role by providing access to culture in a fair and inclusive manner, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations.

Moreover, digital accessibility in culture carries a strong social impact, creating opportunities for people who might otherwise feel excluded due to physical or financial barriers. This approach not only grants access to cultural content but also fosters active participation in cultural life, which is vital to social integration. By investing in accessibility, cultural institutions can become more inclusive, drawing in a wider and more diverse audience.

Digital accessibility is more than regulatory compliance; it’s the foundation for equal access to culture.

Purpose of the report

The main goal of this report was to examine the accessibility of websites belonging to selected leading museums across Europe. Digital accessibility, alongside inclusive offerings, accessible architecture, and clear communication, is essential for ensuring equal access to cultural heritage.

This report was intended as a snapshot of the current state of accessibility in light of evolving legal standards, highlighting changes in the digital landscape and raising awareness that may drive further improvements. While this report doesn’t aim to provide an exhaustive analysis, it offers an overview of accessibility levels, indicating areas that are well-managed and those needing further attention.

Keep in mind that some mentioned issues might no longer be relevant as websites undergo continuous updates, and our audits were conducted in August 2024.

About the Report

The report was compiled from mini-accessibility audits conducted by four evaluators in August 2024. Evaluators assessed websites by navigating the main page, selecting a date, and purchasing tickets. The audits covered the desktop versions of 17 museum sites, and mobile applications were not included due to their distinct design and complexity. However, we did examine the responsiveness of each site to different screen sizes.