Tactile panels in the museum’s new sensory room provide different textures that can provide stimulation or a calming focus.
The nature-themed therapeutic room has been designed for visitors with various abilities and needs. It features different lighting, textures and stimulants including bubble tubes, adjustable lights, nature soundscapes, books, fidget toys and more. The painting for the sensory room was done and provided by PPG Industries.
“We are thrilled to be opening up the sensory room,” said Dawn Koceja, Accessibility Coordinator for the Milwaukee Public Museum. “MPM is committed to making our exhibits as accessible as possible for all members of our community. The sensory room will allow visitors who may be put off by the loud noises in the Rainforest exhibit or the darkness in Third Planet the opportunity to enjoy MPM on their terms.”
The sensory room is a new addition to MPM’s accessibility program, which features accommodations like explorer kits featuring 3D objects and braille books, noise-reducing headphones for both adults and children and the MPM All In visit-planning mobile app. For more information on the Museum’s accessibility initiatives, go to www.mpm.edu/access.
More photos of the sensory room can be found at bit.ly/mpmsensory.
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