Türkiye unveils inclusive station redefining art accessibility
New Istanbul initiative merges aesthetics with sensory inclusivity through tactile, auditory, and visual experiences
ISTANBUL, Türkiye (MNTV) — Salt Galata, a prominent cultural landmark in Türkiye’s Istanbul, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at redefining accessibility in the arts.
Supported by Garanti BBVA, the newly launched “Inclusive Experience” station offers a multisensory, culturally resonant encounter that integrates touch, sound, and sight to ensure art is genuinely accessible to all.
Far beyond traditional accessibility features such as ramps or elevators, the project embodies a more expansive vision—encompassing emotional, cognitive, and aesthetic dimensions.
The space includes tactile reliefs, architectural 3D models, braille panels, Turkish Sign Language videos, and story-based content tailored for individuals with autism, allowing visitors of all abilities to experience art in unique and immersive ways.
“This is not just about allowing access—it’s about rethinking how art is perceived and who it is for,” said Ebru Taşcı Firuzbay, Executive Vice President at Garanti BBVA.
“By embedding inclusivity into the design of this project, we’re making a lasting commitment to equal participation in arts and culture.”
Located at the entrance of Salt Galata, the station presents six architectural landmarks from the Golden Horn using touchable materials and relief designs, enabling visually impaired visitors to “see” through their fingertips.
It also functions as an educational tool, particularly for children, by introducing story-based narratives that foster sensory learning and awareness.
Salt’s approach reflects a growing recognition that inclusive design is not simply a technical requirement, but an artistic and ethical responsibility.
The initiative encourages not just the inclusion of underrepresented audiences, but a transformation in how all visitors engage with cultural content.
The project also serves as a model for museums and art institutions across Türkiye, many of which still offer only limited physical accommodations.
By placing inclusivity at the core of artistic presentation, Salt Galata highlights a shift from obligatory compliance to creative innovation in cultural accessibility.
While modest in size, the “Inclusive Experience” station represents a profound leap toward making art spaces more welcoming, participatory, and democratic—challenging long-held norms and asking essential questions about the role of public art in society.
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