For about 10 years, a research group at the VRVis Center for Virtual Reality and Visualization in Vienna has been working on making art accessible to people with visual impairments and blind people through technology. On the occasion of the "World Day of Tourist Guides for the Blind and Visually Impaired" on February 15, 2019, two pieces of art were transformed into tactile reliefs for the Dom Museum in Vienna: the famous portrait of Duke Rudolf IV, considered one of the most important works of art in Europe, and a precious grave cover of Rudolf, which still puzzles researchers today. Both tactile objects are now exhibited right next to the original artworks and are part of the fixed installation. Andreas Reichinger, the researcher behind this project, explains the role of VRVis: "We see our research work as a driving force for the dissemination of tactile 3D technologies for a barrier-free cultural experience. These tactile reliefs complement the original work of art in the way it can be experienced and add a further dimension from which all visitors benefit."
The portrait of Duke Rudolf IV was translated using a special software into a full-size relief in acrylic stone, in which the composition, posture, facial expression, but also the many ornamental details were made tangible and palpable with pixel accuracy. The Dom Museum Wien is enthusiastic about how technology, inclusive digitalization and "Design for all" in a museum context can be used to offer new possibilities for people with special needs. "The integration of the two new tactile reliefs into our permanent exhibition is a further step towards an inclusive Dom Museum Wien, since the accessibility of the collections for all visitors is of great importance", says Johanna Schwanberg, Director of the Dom Museum Wien.