6 September 2016

A Relaxed Opening at York Castle Museum will take place later this month to enable those with autism to enjoy the museum. From 3pm to 5pm on Friday 16 September 2016, the noises and sound effects will be turned off and all the main lights will be put on so there will be no dark areas or sudden sounds.

Costumed guides will still be on the recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, and the films will be shown York Castle Prison but there will be warnings given to when these will start. There will also be a designated quiet area if any visitors require this.

The event, the first of its kind run by York Museums Trust, is also suitable for those with visual impairment or who suffer from dementia.

Sarah Mortimer, assistant curator of learning and leader of York Museum Trust’s access team, said:

“As part of the access team brief we have been looking at ways we can encourage different audiences to enjoy York Museums Trust sites. We hope that having a Relaxed Opening will encourage those with autism to come and visit the museum in conditions which allow them to get the most out of their visit.”

“We know that our museum can be loud and busy at times, so at 3pm until we close at 5pm we will put our lights on full and turn off all the sound effects so it’s a less overwhelming environment for our visitors. We hope to run these events once a month, so if you don’t get chance to look at everything on your first visit, please look out on our website for other such opportunities.”

She added: “We also want to let all potential visitors know this is happening so if they want the lights and sounds they can make arrangements to come at another time.”

Many of York Castle Museum’s staff have now had basic training on what it means to have autism and how it affects visitors with the condition. Members of the access team will also be on hand to help and answer any questions.

For those who would like to know more about what they can expect to see at the museum you can find visual stories available online on our Access page here.

For further information about this event, please email enquiries@ymt.org.uk or phone 01904 687687.