Αccessibility of the Greek Museums: A Necessity for a More Holistic Approach

Museums play a vital role in preserving and promoting different cultures’ history, art, and traditions, and their contribution to social, tourism, and regional development is significant. For this reason, museums should be fully accessible to all citizens, especially those facing certain types of disabilities. The current paper focuses on the accessibility and inclusion of museums in Greece, a country with a strong tourism industry. Eight (8) interviews were conducted with experts and disabled people to collect the relevant data. The key findings of the interviews showed that significant improvement actions have been taken in recent years, but the need to do more is urgent and of utmost importance. It was also emphasised that a more holistic approach is not just desirable, but necessary to improve the experience of disabled people. Moreover, improvements in means of transport are highlighted so that these people can visit cultural destinations safely and efficiently, and digital technologies are necessary for them to adopt. Findings underscore the importance and impact of further improvements to the services provided in museums for disabled people. This ensures the audience is well-informed and enlightened about the current state and future potential of museum accessibility in Greece. This research provides valuable information to stakeholders to improve the services provided to visitors of the Greek museums, which would significantly benefit all (visitors, society, and economy).