A museum curator determines that the best way to make an eleventh-century stone sculpture accessible to a wide range of viewers is to
A. make sure a museum interpreter is standing by to explain the sculpture for those who are too short to view it.
B. give visitors iPads that allow them to tour the museum virtually, keeping the sculpture totally protected from possible damage.
C. take the sculpture out of the case and allow visitors to handle this ancient work of art.
D. place the sculpture in an eye-level, airtight glass case; include an audio description of the object for blind or reading-disabled visitors.
D. place the sculpture in an eye-level, airtight glass case; include an audio description of the object for blind or reading-disabled visitors.
This option ensures that the sculpture remains protected while still allowing viewers of all abilities to access and appreciate it through an audio description.
D. place the sculpture in an eye-level, airtight glass case; include an audio description of the object for blind or reading-disabled visitors.
To determine the best way to make an eleventh-century stone sculpture accessible to a wide range of viewers, a museum curator needs to consider various factors such as preservation, safety, and inclusivity. Let's break down each option:
A. Making sure a museum interpreter is standing by to explain the sculpture for those who are too short to view it:
This option addresses the issue of height but does not consider other accessibility needs, such as visual or hearing impairments. Additionally, it may not be practical to have a standing interpreter available at all times.
B. Giving visitors iPads that allow them to tour the museum virtually, keeping the sculpture protected from possible damage:
While virtual tours can be beneficial for accessibility, this option does not specifically address the accessibility of the stone sculpture itself. It focuses on a general solution for the museum as a whole.
C. Taking the sculpture out of the case and allowing visitors to handle it:
Although this option provides a unique and tactile experience for visitors, it poses a significant risk to the preservation and safety of the artwork. Handling ancient stone sculptures can lead to damage and deterioration.
D. Placing the sculpture in an eye-level, airtight glass case and including an audio description for blind or reading-disabled visitors:
This option combines accessibility measures by positioning the sculpture at eye level, allowing easier viewing for all visitors, while also providing an audio description for those with visual or reading impairments. The airtight glass case helps in preserving the artwork while allowing maximum visibility.
Based on these considerations, option D seems to be the best choice in maintaining accessibility, preservation, and inclusivity for a wide range of viewers.