Breaking the barriers: Extended reality and innovative technologies for enhanced accessibility of the Ceramics Museum of Cutrofiano

In the dynamic landscape of museums, a comprehensive understanding of visitor needs, particularly those with disabilities, necessitates the exploration of new methodologies and practices. This paper presents a project that aims at reducing physical, sensory, and cognitive barriers in museums, by exploiting a combination of Virtual Reality, audio and video contents, tactile prints, NFC-tags and QR Codes. Central to this endeavor is the creation of an inclusive framework tailored to enhance accessibility for the Ceramics Museum of Cutrofiano (Lecce, Italy), co-designed with representatives of the target user groups. The strategic deployment of advanced technologies is envisaged to augment the museum experience, catering to diverse visitors and fostering inclusivity. This work provides insights into conceptualisation and implementation phases, highlighting the collaboration between cultural entities, local governance, target groups and academia. Additionally, it examines empirical data collected from testing sessions, debating the efficacy of digital technologies in improving accessibility in cultural places.