The M.I.R.A. project is underway: free educational experiences without barriers
Augmentative and Alternative Communication with the M.I.R.A. project
A new educational initiative developed by the Museum’s Special Education Department, which aims to facilitate access to museum content for people with complex communication needs through the use of visual aids, inclusive materials, and methods related to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
The workshops are part of the M.I.R.A. project – Inclusive Museum Research and Accessibility, created to promote broad and informed participation in the cultural life of the community. They take place twice a month, from October 25 to May 30, with a maximum of 20 participants per session:
- Saturday, October 25 – Open Day 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 13 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 29 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 11 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 13 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, January 22 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, January 24 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, February 12 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, February 28 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 12 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 28 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, April 16 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 18 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 14 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 30 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The free, barrier-free workshops are dedicated to interactivity and museum accessibility and are open to everyone.
The initiative was created with the aim of encouraging active participation through activities that combine knowledge, creativity, and accessibility, based on interactive and universal methodologies.
The workshops, designed to stimulate dialogue and collaboration, aim to involve all audiences, with particular attention to visitors with special educational needs, so that everyone can experience the museum as a place of encounter, discovery, and shared participation.
Workshop 1. Hands-on Prehistory
An interactive workshop that guides participants on a journey of discovery into prehistoric life, exploring shelters, tools, and early forms of artistic expression. After a brief introduction with images and artifacts, the main part of the activity is a hands-on workshop, in which each participant creates graffiti inspired by life in caves and villages, using techniques and natural materials as primitive humans did.
The experience stimulates curiosity, encourages personal experimentation, and promotes sharing with the group, transforming learning into a creative, participatory, and engaging moment.
Workshop 2. A game for every discovery
After a brief introductory visit to the collections, participants are involved in board games designed to stimulate the sense of touch and facilitate the discovery of works and artifacts. Through the exploration of cards and sensory materials, each group associates images, shapes, and descriptions, receiving explanations and interesting facts about the objects they encounter. The final phase involves the creation of a personalized “artwork card,” in which each participant draws and describes the work that impressed them the most.
The activity enhances the multisensory and inclusive dimension, promoting curiosity, active participation, and sharing with the group.
Workshop 3. The Bronzes tell their story… Let’s give voice to the Riace warriors
The workshop begins with a guided tour and an introduction to the Riace Bronzes, to learn about their history, context, and significance. Participants are then invited to reinterpret the two warriors through visual storytelling, transforming what they have learned into personal and original stories.
The workshop takes place in small groups, with participants working on comic strips to create a short book, either printed or digital, enriched with texts and illustrations. Each narrative choice becomes an opportunity to identify with the Bronzes, imagine their voices, and give shape to new adventures: historical, mythological, or fantastical.
Workshop 4. Augmented reality: a tour “beyond the visible”
An immersive and innovative experience that combines technology, learning, and accessibility thanks to the Sperimentare FARM app. During the visit, participants activate augmented reality content—3D reconstructions, audio-visual narratives, virtual testimonials, and personalized itineraries. The final phase involves creative feedback, through a visual map or a collective audio diary, to share emotions and discoveries.
All workshops are free and can be booked until all places are filled by emailing: mira.prenotazioni@gmail.com