ARCAM in Amsterdam Introduces Permanent Tactile and Audio Model for Enhanced Visitor Experience
The Amsterdam Centre for Architecture (ARCAM) has unveiled a new permanent tactile and audio model, offering visitors a unique, multisensory way to explore the ARCAM building and its surrounding urban landscape. This installation, developed with a focus on accessibility, particularly for individuals with visual impairments, forms part of ARCAM’s ongoing commitment to making architecture accessible to everyone.
Experiencing Amsterdam's Architecture Through Touch and Sound
The centerpiece of this new experience is a detailed tactile model of the ARCAM pavilion, enhanced by an environmental model of the Marineterrein and the Oosterdok area. This includes information about notable landmarks such as The National Maritime Museum, Mediamatic, and NEMO Science Museum. The design allows visitors to engage with the architecture using senses beyond sight, featuring urban audio fragments and narrated stories about ARCAM, the Oosterdok, and the Marineterrein.
This innovative project was brought to life through a collaboration with Hannes Wallrafen, Laura Ubachs (Stichting Geluid in Zicht), Kaita Shinagawa (Studio KU+), and sound engineer Robert Bosch. The development directly stems from ARCAM’s recent annual theme, "Architecture for Everyone," which has also led to the creation of a more accessible gallery space within the centre. More on this initiative can be found on ARCAM's dedicated page about Architecture for Everyone.
Planning Your Visit to ARCAM's New Installation
The tactile and audio model is a permanent feature at ARCAM, located at Prins Hendrikkade 600 in Amsterdam. The centre is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 13:00 and 17:00.
Admission prices, which include access to all exhibitions, are €5.00 for adults and €2.50 for students. Visitors with a Stadspas Groene stip, an I Amsterdam City Card, children under 18, and companions for visitors with disabilities receive free entry. Tickets can be purchased directly from Arcam's ticketing page.
Accessibility at ARCAM
ARCAM is designed to be wheelchair accessible and offers a loan wheelchair for visitors. An accessible restroom is available on the ground floor. The centre is conveniently reachable by public transport; it's about a 25-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station or accessible via bus lines 22 and 48 (Kadijksplein stop).
For visitors who may find the immediate surroundings of ARCAM challenging to navigate independently due to crowds or terrain, the centre offers a "meeloopservice" (escort service) from the bus or train station upon request. For further questions regarding accessibility or to arrange assistance, visitors can contact ARCAM by email at [email protected] or by calling 020 2616666. The development of the tactile model was made possible with financial support from the Bartiméus Fonds.
Musemap (musemap.art) helps you discover unique cultural experiences like this across various cities. To explore more museums and architectural insights in Amsterdam and beyond, consider browsing our museum list or viewing attractions on the map.
