Welcome to Access-i

Musée d’histoire naturelle et vivarium de Tournai

The museum is located in the Cour d'Honneur of the Town Hall, rue Saint Martin 52.

Beautiful exhibition adapted to all ages, school groups, families, ... Possibility of adapted visits on request, in partnership with the Tourist Office: interactive and playful walk, sound, tactile and olfactory walk.

The main gallery exhibits naturalized animals. The vivarium exhibits live animals. Outside, there is a nice visit to the garden and the butterfly house.

 

Founded in 1828 during the Dutch period, this first museum in the country opened its doors to the public in 1829.

In 1839, the museum moved to a gallery and a square room designed by the architect Bruno Renard at its current location, the former brewery of Saint Martin's Abbey. During its expansion and refurbishment, inaugurated in June 2001, the scenography took care to preserve the "cabinet of curiosities" which immerses the visitor in the atmosphere of the natural history cabinets of the 19th century, as well as a gallery of naturalised animals as rare as they are extraordinary. You will be able to discover the first elephant to arrive in Belgium in 1839, which has been recognised as a treasure by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

The main gallery displays naturalised animals.

The vivarium exhibits live animals.

Adapted tours are available on request, in partnership with the Tourist Office: interactive and fun walks, sound, touch and smell walks

Strong points

Staff
  • A reference person is present to welcome and accompany the persons with special needs.
  • There is staff available to help negotiate obstacles.
  • There is staff available to direct and guide.
  • The staff has received training for the reception of persons with special needs.
Safety
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
  • The structure of the location is simple and makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Parking
  • It is possible to drop a person off near the entrance.

Possibility of seeing the whole museum: the museum is accessible on the ground floor, except for the Vivarium, which is accessible via the reception area.

Access is from the Cour d'Honneur, on the cobblestones. You can park in a reserved space next to the entrance or be dropped off there. Access from rue Saint-Martin is not possible. 

The entrance door is narrow: 83cm clearance for one door leaf. The second door can be opened with the help of nearby staff.

2 level differences are compensated by either a compliant lift or a ramp.

The sanitary facilities are well equipped except for the height of the toilet bowl (42cm).

The lighting is good with the exception of the vivarium area for reasons of content. However, staff are present and available everywhere to help. 

Part of the exhibition is accessible in the garden and its greenhouse.

Strong points

Parking
  • There is at least 1 reserved parking space less than 100 metres from the entrance.
  • The reserved parking spaces are properly indicated.
  • The reserved parking spaces are sufficiently big and horizontal.
  • It is possible to drop a person off near the entrance.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Access road from the car park
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
  • There is no step to negotiate.
  • The floor is regular and free of obstacles.
  • The floor is hard.
Access road from the street
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
Entrance
  • The building is easy to identify.
  • The main entrance is accessible.
  • There is a doorbell at the entrance that allows asking for help.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
  • The entrance device is easy to use.
Home
  • There is a mobile payment device.
  • The free space in front of the counter is sufficiently big.
  • Some tables allow a correct positioning in a wheelchair.
  • The lighting is sufficient.
  • A reference person is present to welcome and accompany the persons with special needs.
Horizontal circulation
  • The steps can be bypassed by a well-indicated alternative pathway.
  • The floor is hard.
  • The floor is regular and free of obstacles.
  • The width of the hallways is sufficient.
  • The width of the pathways is sufficient.
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
  • The passage width of the doors measures at least 85 cm.
  • The ramp is secured on the void side.
Adapted sanitary
  • An adapted toilet is available, well signalled and easy to use.
  • There is an accessible sink in the adapted toilet.
  • The sink is accessible and it is easy to use.
  • The lighting is sufficient.
Exposition
  • All the content of the exhibition is accessible and visible.
  • The passage width of the doors measures at least 85 cm.
  • The ramp is secured on the void side.
  • The structure of the location is simple and makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.

Points of attention

Adapted sanitary
  • The toilet is not properly equipped.

Possibility of seeing the whole museum: museum accessible on the same level except for the Vivarium, which is accessible either by safe steps or by going back through the reception.

Access is from the Cour d'Honneur, on the cobblestones. You can park in a reserved space next to the entrance or be dropped off there. Access from rue Saint-Martin is not possible. 

The entrance door is narrow: 83cm clearance for one door leaf. The second door can be opened with the help of nearby staff.

2 level differences are compensated by either a compliant lift or a ramp.

The sanitary facilities are well equipped except for the height of the toilet bowl (42cm).

The lighting is good with the exception of the vivarium area for reasons of content. However, staff are present and available everywhere to help. 

Part of the exhibition is accessible in the garden and its greenhouse.

Strong points

Parking
  • There is at least 1 reserved parking space less than 100 metres from the entrance.
  • There is at least 1 parking space less than 50 metres from the entrance.
  • The reserved parking spaces are properly indicated.
  • The reserved parking spaces are sufficiently big and horizontal.
  • It is possible to drop a person off near the entrance.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Access road from the car park
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
  • There is no step to negotiate.
  • The floor is hard.
Access road from the street
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
  • The floor is regular and free of obstacles.
  • The floor is hard.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to identify.
  • There is a doorbell at the entrance that allows asking for help.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
  • The building is easy to identify.
  • The main entrance is accessible.
Home
  • Seats are available near the reception.
  • Seat sticks are available.
  • The lighting is sufficient.
  • A reference person is present to welcome and accompany the persons with special needs.
Horizontal circulation
  • There are a few steps, equipped with a handrail, to negotiate.
  • The steps can be bypassed by a well-indicated alternative pathway.
  • Circulation is easy everywhere.
  • The floor is hard.
  • The floor is regular and free of obstacles.
  • The width of the hallways is sufficient.
  • The width of the pathways is sufficient.
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
  • There are seats along the pathway.
  • The passage width of the doors measures at least 85 cm.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Vertical circulation
  • The staircases are equipped with handrails on both sides.
  • The staircases are secure.
  • There is a staircase with 6 steps maximum.
  • There is a lift.
  • There is a grab bar in the lift.
Adapted sanitary
  • There is a toilet with grab bars and it is easy to use.
  • There is a sink in the adapted toilet.
  • The adapted toilet is easy to find.
  • The passage width of the doors measures at least 85 cm.
  • The lighting is sufficient and continuous.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Exposition
  • All the content of the exhibition is accessible.
  • There are seats in every space of the exhibition.
  • Seat sticks are available.
  • The passage width of the doors measures at least 85 cm.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.

Possibility of adapted visits on request, in partnership with the Tourist Office: interactive and fun walk, sound, tactile and olfactory walk.

At the entrance to the vivarium, you have to climb over the plastic strips at the stairs. Inside the vivarium, a branch is at a height of 1.80m but the adapted visit is accompanied. 

There is no paving stone at the top of the stairs but the flooring changes and the visit is accompanied.

Strong points

Access road from the car park
  • Guide-lines facilitate circulation.
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
Access road from the street
  • Guide-lines facilitate circulation .
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
Guide dog
  • Assistance dogs are accepted.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to identify.
  • The entrance is located in the logical continuation of the pathway.
  • There is a doorbell at the entrance that allows asking for help.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance .
Home
  • The reception is located in front of the entrance.
  • The reception has no glass partition.
  • The staff sees the persons coming into the building and can assist them.
  • The reception is in a quiet environment.
  • The reception is located in the logical continuation of the pathway.
  • The location is structured in a simple and intuitive way.
  • A reference person is present to welcome and accompany the persons with special needs.
Horizontal circulation
  • Guide-lines facilitate circulation.
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
  • The location is structured in a simple and intuitive way.
Vertical circulation
  • The staircases have at least one handrail.
Exposition
  • Adapted guided tours are organised upon reservation.
  • An audio-guide is available and adapts itself automatically to the visitor‘s progress.
  • It is possible to touch reproductions of works.
  • It is possible to touch exhibits.

Points of attention

Horizontal circulation
  • There is at least one non-secured ramp in the logical pathway.
  • The pathway presents punctually a passage height of less than 2m.
Vertical circulation
  • The staircases are not secured by warning tiles at their top.

Possibility of adapted visits on request, in partnership with the Tourist Office: interactive and fun walk, sound, tactile and olfactory walk.

At the entrance to the vivarium, you have to climb over the plastic strips at the stairs. Inside the vivarium, a branch is at a height of 1.80m but the adapted visit is accompanied. 

There is no paving stone at the top of the stairs but the flooring changes and the visit is accompanied. 

The lighting is good except for the vivarium for reasons of content.

Strong points

Access road from the car park
  • Natural or artificial guide-lines facilitate circulation.
  • There are no obstacles.
Access road from the street
  • Guide-lines facilitate circulation.
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to identify.
  • The entrance is located in the logical continuation of the pathway.
  • There is a doorbell at the entrance that allows asking for help.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Home
  • A reference person is present to welcome the persons with special needs.
  • The staff sees the persons coming into the building and can assist them.
  • The reception is located in the logical continuation of the pathway.
  • The reception is in a quiet environment.
  • The lighting is sufficient.
  • The structure of the location is simple and makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
  • A reference person is present to welcome and accompany the persons with special needs.
Horizontal circulation
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
  • The dangerous objects in the pathway are secured.
  • The glass walls and doors are secured by a contrasting visual marking.
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
  • The furniture contrasts with its environment.
Vertical circulation
  • A lift serves all the floors.
  • The lift can be used in autonomy or staff is available to help.
  • The lighting is sufficient and continuous in the staircases.
  • The stair steps are contrasting.
  • The staircases are equipped with at least one secure handrail.
Exposition
  • An audio-guide is available and adapts itself automatically to the visitor‘s progress.
  • The majority of the works are visible at close range.
  • Adapted guided tours are organised upon reservation.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.

Points of attention

Horizontal circulation
  • The pathway presents punctually a passage height of less than 2m.
  • The lighting is not sufficient.

Possibility of adapted visits on request, in partnership with the Tourist Office: interactive and fun walk, sound, tactile and olfactory walk.

The lighting is good except for the vivarium for reasons of content. Possibility to have an adapted visit.

Strong points

Parking
  • The car park is freely accessible.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to find.
  • The building is easy to find.
  • There is a doorbell near the door.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
  • The opening hours are displayed next to the door.
  • The rates are displayed next to the door.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Home
  • The reception is open, well lit and allows lip reading.
  • The reception is easy to find and close to the entrance.
  • The institution can be contacted by email.
  • The staff has received training for the reception of deaf persons.
  • The rates are displayed in the reception.
  • The premises are easy to understand.
  • A person speaking sign language is available upon prior request.
  • The lighting is sufficient.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
  • A reference person is present to welcome and accompany the persons with special needs.
Wireless
  • It is possible to connect to the mobile networks, 3G or 4G.
  • Wi-Fi is free and available anywhere in the building.
Adapted sanitary
  • It is possible to see whether a toilet is occupied or free.
  • The toilets are easy to find.
  • The doors can be easily crossed in autonomy.
  • The lighting is sufficient and continuous.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Exposition
  • The displayed content is mainly visual.
  • A significant part of the exhibition content is adapted (touch, smell, sight).
  • A visit in Belgian French sign language is available upon prior request.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.

Possibility of adapted visits on request, in partnership with the Tourist Office: interactive and fun walk, sound, tactile and olfactory walk.

The lighting is good except for the vivarium for reasons of content. Possibility to have an adapted visit.

Strong points

Parking
  • The car park is freely accessible.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to find.
  • The building is easy to find.
  • There is a doorbell near the door.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
  • The opening hours are displayed next to the door.
  • The rates are displayed next to the door.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Home
  • The reception is located in a quiet environment.
  • The reception is open, well lit and allows lip reading.
  • The reception is easy to find and close to the entrance.
  • The institution can be contacted by email.
  • The rates are displayed in the reception.
  • The premises are easy to understand.
  • The lighting is sufficient and continuous.
  • A reference person is present to welcome and accompany the persons with special needs.
Adapted sanitary
  • It is possible to see whether a toilet is occupied or free.
  • The doors can be easily crossed in autonomy.
  • The lighting is sufficient and continuous.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Exposition
  • The environment is calm.
  • An adapted visit is available upon prior request .
  • The displayed content is mainly visual.
  • A significant part of the exhibition content is adapted (touch, smell, sight, hearing).
  • Written explanations are available.
  • The presented works are explained in an simple and easily understandable way.
  • An audio-guide with headset and adjustable volume is available.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.

Points of attention

Magnetic induction loop
  • There is no mobile induction loop.

Possibility of adapted visits on request, in partnership with the Tourist Office: interactive and fun walk, sound, tactile and olfactory walk.

At the entrance to the vivarium, you have to climb over the plastic strips at the stairs. Inside the vivarium, a branch is at a height of 1.80m, but the adapted visit is accompanied. 

The lighting is good, except for the vivarium for reasons of content. Possibility of having an adapted visit and the staff is present and available everywhere to help.

Strong points

Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to find.
  • The building is easy to find.
  • There is a doorbell near the door.
  • The opening hours are displayed next to the door.
  • The rates are displayed next to the door.
  • The lighting is sufficient.
Home
  • The reception is calm.
  • The reception is easy to find and close to the entrance.
  • It is possible to pay in cash (coins and notes).
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
  • A reference person is present to welcome and accompany the persons with special needs.
Vertical circulation
  • The lift is easy to use or staff is available to help.
  • The lighting is sufficient and continuous in the staircases.
  • The stair steps are contrasting.
  • The staircases are equipped with at least one secure handrail.
  • The staircases are secure.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
  • A reference person is present to welcome and accompany the persons with special needs.
Horizontal circulation
  • The location is calm.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Adapted sanitary
  • The toilets are easy to find.
  • The lighting is sufficient and continuous.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Exposition
  • The adapted guided visits can be reserved by phone.
  • Guided visits adapted to children are organised.
  • An adapted visit is available upon prior request.
  • The exhibition is varied (touch, smell, sight, hearing).
  • The presented works are explained in an simple and easily understandable way.
  • The location is calm.
  • Walk outside with animals that are viewed at close range.
  • The doors can be easily crossed in autonomy.
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Access-i vous informe sur l'accessibilité de ce lieu, de par les données relevées sur place, à un instant T. Les modifications éventuelles après la visite d'Access-i relèvent de la responsabilité du gestionnaire.