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The Center for Accessibility in Heritage Sites and Historic Cities at the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum

For over ten years, the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum has been at the forefront of developing programs and strategies to make heritage sites accessible. With the completion of its $50 million renewal project in March 2024, accessibility became a guiding theme of the museum’s transformation.

The museum’s success in implementing inclusive programming – physical, sensory, and intellectual – has positioned it as a leader in advising other institutions and sharing best practices. The museum’s advanced technological capabilities also serve as a model for other heritage sites looking to enhance accessibility.

To further this mission, a dedicated center has been established to collect information, conduct research, hold lectures and conferences, and provide guidance on best practices on implementing accessibility initiatives.

The center staff, which includes licensed experts in accessibility, is available to offer services in planning, training, and consulting for both heritage sites and cities looking to improve accessibility.

Key Achievements of the Center

Planning and Advising National Museums
The Center has provided accessibility guidance to leading institutions, including the Israel Museum, the National Library of Israel, the Israel Science Center, the Museum of Natural History and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.

Consultation and Advising for the Accessible Jerusalem Project
Licensed accessibility experts collaborated as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop comprehensive accessibility solutions throughout the Old City of Jerusalem

Professional Training Sessions and Seminars
Customized programs were developed and conducted for both private and public organizations, including the Ministry of Justice, Haifa University, Bar Ilan University, the Ministry of Defense, and the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), along with ongoing training programs for tour guides.

National Conference on Accessibility in Heritage Sites
The Center organized a national conference bringing together public and private institutions to address accessibility challenges and share solutions in heritage sites.

Establishment of a National Forum for Accessibility in Museums in Partnership with ICOM
The Center pioneered a local forum, which later served as a model to establish a national forum for museums across the country.

Global Conference on Accessibility in Historic Sites and Cities
The Center hosted an international online conference with over 300 participants from 38 countries, focusing on best practices for accessibility in historic environments.

International Recognition

Ongoing Collaboration with Academic Institutions Worldwide
The Center actively partners with academic institutions to advance research on accessibility solutions in cultural heritage sites.