Open Museum is a project by Brussels Museums, the federation of Brussels museums. For 30 years, we have been actively working to enhance the accessibility and visibility of our Brussels museums, to preserve their tangible and intangible heritage, and to advocate for their interests.
Over Open Museum
Open Museum is an initiative by Brussels Museums, the federation of Brussels museums. Since its creation in 2018, Open Museum has been committed to promoting the values of inclusion, accessibility and participation within the more than 125 member museums of our network. We firmly believe that culture is a societal choice, and it is up to us, as a federation, to hold high the values of social cohesion, cultural sharing and access to heritage for all.
Our vision
We see the museums of today, and tomorrow, as places where every voice, especially those historically under-represented, finds its place. To achieve this, we need to actively involve these voices in all decision-making processes, because we know that there are many barriers to enter museums, not just physical ones.
Our areas of action: the 5 Ps
To give concrete expression to our commitment, we have defined five strategic areas, which we call the ‘5 Ps’:
– People: Thinking about inclusion issues when recruiting, managing and supporting internal and external teams.
– Public: Ensuring that every visitor feels welcome, represented and included in the institution’s activities, whatever their identity or background.
– Place: Rethinking the physical spaces and functions of museums so that they are accessible and meet the needs of everyone.
– Programming: Developing exhibitions and events that reflect the diversity of human voices and experiences.
– Partnership: Creating solid, lasting collaborations with a wide range of players to enrich our actions and amplify their impact.
Our mission
Our mission is to accompany museums in this transformation by raising awareness and supporting them in their reflections and initiatives. We aim to create a museum environment where everyone feels welcome and fully represented, regardless of gender, skin colour, ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, level of education or age.
Open Museum aspires to a museum that is not only open to all, but also shaped by everyone’s contribution. Together, let’s build inclusive, accessible and participatory museums that truly reflect the diversity and richness of our society.
Projects of the initiative :
Open Museum
A committed initiative by Brussels Museums
Galerie du Roi, 15
1000 Brussels (2nd floor, no lift)
+32 (0) 2 512 77 80 (Mon-Fri, 10:00-17:00)
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The aim of this initiative is to raise awareness of the importance of inclusion and participation of under-represented groups in the 125+ museums in the Brussels Museums network.