On 18 January 2026, the Exhibition Centre of the Municipal Centre for Culture and Arts in Pyskowice hosted the conference “Railways Connect. Accessibility Opens. Pyskowice and Barrier-Free Exhibitions”, marking the conclusion of the international project REACT – Resources for Accessible Cultural Tours.
The event brought together representatives of cultural institutions, non-governmental organisations, and professionals interested in accessibility, creating a space for exchanging experiences and discussing how to design cultural experiences that are open and inclusive for everyone. The conference demonstrated that accessibility extends far beyond removing architectural barriers—it is about consciously designing cultural experiences that respond to the diverse needs of audiences.
The programme featured presentations on local heritage, practical aspects of accessibility, and the outcomes of the REACT project. Piotr Borowiak presented the story behind the exhibition “Pyskowice – A City. From Passion to Exhibition”, Aleksandra Jakubowska discussed the challenges and opportunities of improving accessibility in cultural institutions, while Wenancjusz Ochmann presented the European dimension of the project and shared the key results developed through REACT.
The presentations highlighted that accessibility is an ongoing process requiring long-term commitment, collaboration, and openness to the needs of diverse audiences. Speakers also emphasised that designing barrier-free exhibitions not only broadens participation but also strengthens the role of cultural institutions as places of dialogue, social inclusion, and active civic engagement.
The conference also included a networking session, giving participants an opportunity to exchange experiences and share good practices. A guided visit to the exhibition demonstrated how accessibility measures can enhance the cultural experience for all visitors, regardless of age, ability, or preferred way of engaging with information.
We would like to thank MOKiS Pyskowice and Stacja Pyskowice for their excellent cooperation and their commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive cultural environment.
